Habitat assessment by Aveshaw

Aveshaw's picture
Assessment results
Answer givenOur advice
Are there areas with bare ground and very few plants?: 
No
Consider increasing the amount of bare ground. Ground nesting bees are more likely to nest where there is bare ground.
Are there low traffic areas where the soil is not turned over, tilled or plowed?: 
No
Set aside some areas for no tilling, plowing or turning over. Ground nesting bees nest anywhere from the top inches to several feet below the surface. Reducing disturbance allows those bees to survive to the next year.
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.
Does your nest block have less than 20 holes?: 
No
Create a nest block with fewer holes. This will reduce parasitism and make it more likely bees will use it.
What is the main type of vegetation in the area you are evaluating (park, garden, yard, farm...)?: 
Mix of native and non-native plants
Increase the amount of native plants in your yard.
How much of the whole yard, park, farm or green space is garden space or wild/natural vegetation?: 
A little. Between 5-20%.
Add a new garden or expand your current garden space. Every little bit helps.
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!
Are the flowering plants that you have pollinator friendly?: 
Some (25-50%)
Considering adding more pollinator friendly plants.
How many flowers in your garden bloom in spring?: 
4-6
Add 4-6 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.
How many flowers in your garden bloom in summer?: 
4-6
Add 2-3 more types of summer flowers to support summer bees.
Are flowers planted in clumps?: 
No.
Consider planting flowers in clumps. Bees are more likely to be attracted to larger patches of flowers of the same type.
Does the garden use herbicides?: 
Yes.
Consider reducing your herbicide use and be sure it is an herbice that is not toxic to pollinators.
How many different pollinator counts will your contribute this year?: 
More than one.
We'd love to see pollinator counts from any of the plants in your garden as many times as you can contribute. Thanks!

Score: 132 (out of a possible 210)

Which garden or space are you describing?: 
colorado
How large is your yard?: 
0.50
acres
Are there areas with sandy loamy soil?: 
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
Did you clean or replace your nest block in the last two years?: 
Yes
How much mulch is on the ground?: 
Some.
Is there fresh, clean water always available with a perch that bees could stand on and drink?: 
Yes
Are pesticides used in the garden?: 
No