Habitat assessment by Collins_1

Collins_1's picture
Assessment results
Answer givenOur advice
Are there areas with pithy twigs (elderberry, cane fruit, sumac, etc…)?: 
No
Add some plants that have pithy stems to your habitat. Cavity nesting bees spend their winters in the center of the stems of these plants.
Is your nest block near a landmark like a rock?: 
No
Move your nest block if it isn’t getting much use. Bees are more likely to find a nest block if there is a visual clue.
Did you clean or replace your nest block in the last two years?: 
No
Clean your nest block. You can just run a stick in each hole. This will reduce parasitism.
What is the main type of vegetation in the area you are evaluating (park, garden, yard, farm...)?: 
Mostly grass
Increase the number of flowering plants in your habitat. Think about using native plants.
How much of the whole yard, park, farm or green space is garden space or wild/natural vegetation?: 
Some. Between 21-40%.
Consider expanding your gardens and wild spaces and reducing your lawn.
How much of the garden is planted with flowering annual or perennial plants (including shrubs, vegetables and trees)?: 
Some (25-50%)
Consider supplementing your garden with some native, pollinator friendly plants and converting some lawn!
How many flowers in your garden bloom in spring?: 
7-9
Add 2 or 3 more kinds of spring flowers.
How many flowers in your garden bloom in fall?: 
7-9
Add 2-3 more fall flowers to support fall bees.
Does the garden use herbicides?: 
Yes, but I have confirmed they are not toxic to bees.
Consider reducing your herbicide use.
How many different pollinator counts will your contribute this year?: 
Ten or more.
We'd love to see pollinator counts from any of the plants in your garden as many times as you can contribute. Thanks for contributing!
What time of day are pesticides applied?: 
Pesticides are sometimes used during the day
Reduce your pesticide use and consider spraying only at night.
Is the drift of pesticides controlled?: 
No.
Try to keep pesticides where you want them. Here are some suggestions.

Score: 124 (out of a possible 210)

Which garden or space are you describing?: 
How large is your yard?: 
32.00
hectacres
Are there areas with bare ground and very few plants?: 
Yes
Are there low traffic areas where the soil is not turned over, tilled or plowed?: 
Yes
Are there areas dead wood, brush piles or snags present?: 
Yes
Do you have native bunchgrasses?: 
Several areas or one large area.
Are there bee nesting blocks?: 
Yes
Does your nest block have less than 20 holes?: 
Yes
Are the flowering plants that you have pollinator friendly?: 
Most (more than 75%)
How many flowers in your garden bloom in summer?: 
10 or more
How much mulch is on the ground?: 
None.
Is there fresh, clean water always available with a perch that bees could stand on and drink?: 
Yes
If you use pesticides, do you avoid using neonicotinoid pesticides?: 
Yes. I have checked that the pesticides we have do not include neonicotinoids.
Are pesticides used in the garden?: 
Yes
Is pesticide use avoided when flowers are in bloom?: 
Pesticides are use only when there are no flowers in bloom