Discover the Buzz: Oregon’s Mission to Protect Pollinators
Since 2017, a passionate alliance of scientists, farmers, foresters, educators, and community members has worked together to protect Oregon’s pollinators. The mission is simple: share knowledge, encourage pollinator-friendly practices, and support research that helps both wild and managed bees thrive across the state.
Learn more about the bees Oregon is working to protect
The Oregon Bee Project helps connect research, education, and simple everyday actions that support pollinators in gardens, farms, and natural spaces.
Bees can recognize faces
Bees can learn to recognize human faces, showing just how remarkable their tiny brains really are.
Bees see ultraviolet light
Bees can detect ultraviolet patterns on flowers that help guide them to nectar and pollen.
Flowers have hidden signals
Many blooms contain nectar guides invisible to people but easy for bees to see.
Bees sense electrical charge
Flowers and bees carry different electrical charges, helping bees locate pollen more efficiently.
Pollen baskets are real
Some bees carry pollen in special structures on their hind legs called corbiculae.
Bees love certain colors
Blue, purple, violet, white, and yellow flowers are especially attractive to many bees.
Catch the Pollinators
Tap the bee icons as they appear and see how many pollinators you can catch in 20 seconds. A tiny game, but a good reminder that every bee matters.
What should I plant to attract bees?
Why do flower shapes matter?
Where should pollinator-friendly flowers be planted?
Why does the Oregon Bee Project matter?
Design your landscape like a pollinator paradise
Every backyard, farm edge, flower bed, and natural space can help support pollinators. A few thoughtful planting choices can make a lasting difference.
Group flowers together so blooms are easier for bees to locate.
Different bloom shapes help support a wider variety of bee species.
Choose plants that provide flowers from spring through fall whenever possible.
Many pollinators prefer flowers in bright areas sheltered from strong wind.
“Every patch of blooms can help keep Oregon buzzing.”
Support habitat restoration, research, and statewide education
Bees are essential to our environment, our food supply, and the health of ecosystems across Oregon. Every contribution helps support habitat restoration, research, and educational outreach.