Bumblebee on Purple Aster Flower

Disturbances can benefit bees and other pollinators. Following a fire or a windstorm, forests often support an increased number and diversity of pollinators. These species benefit from the flowers that flourish once more sunlight can reach the forest floor. “Many of Oregon’s forests are adapted to wildfire. In our study of a mixed conifer forest in the Klamath Mountains, we found the most bees and bee species in severely burned forest patches after a wildfire. Moderate to severe fire had opened the canopy, allowing for flowers to bloom in the understory. These flowers—along with nesting opportunities from exposed soil and cavities in dead trees—provide ample habitat for hundreds of species of wild bees.” – Sara Galbraith, postdoctoral researcher, Oregon State University