Bumble bee season!
Hi everyone!
We are in the midst of summer and pollinators are buzzing around doing the important work they do. This past weekend I saw dozens of bumble bees out at the Pierre Native Plant Arboretum and Nature Area. I also spotted a monarch, some skippers and a few colorful beetles! The Pierre Native Plant Arboretum and Nature Area contains over 44 species of trees and plants that all exhibit the beautiful patterns in nature and attract numerous different species. I will be sharing photos and my attempts at their ID on here periodically (reminder, you don't have to know the ID of what you post- the experts in iNaturalist can help with that)!
One of my other favorite places to find bumble bees is at the Pollinator Garden located in the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area in Fort Pierre. Excitingly, the USFWS Seventh Annual Butterfly Festival "Little Wings on the Prairie" is located there and happening this weekend. Stop by between 9am-Noon for some great pollinator fun and activities for all ages. This will be an opportunity to speak with pollinator specialists, look at bugs up-close, practice your bee photography skills and much more! Don't forget to share with us here on iNaturalist, your work as citizen scientists is valuable and greatly appreciated.
We hope to see you there!
Rosalie
