Managed Bees

The managed bees in Oregon go beyond honey bees. Beginning in the 1950s alfalfa seed growers in the Pacific Northwest, in conjunction with Oregon State University, began developing nesting beds for the solitary native alkali bee (Nomia melanderi). These remarkable bees remain the only managed ground nesting bee in the world. In addition, by the 1960s these same growers also learned how to manage a solitary twig-nesting bee, the alfalfa leafcutting bee (Megachile rotundata), on a large scale. Combined, these two solitary species power the state’s alfalfa seed sector. More recently, Oregon cherry and pear growers have been learning to manage a native solitary twig nesting bee, the blue orchard bee (Osmia lignaria). Cavity nesting blue orchard bees have also proven a terrific species for backyard and community gardens. In response, Oregon Master Gardeners and some Soil and Water Conservation districts have been active in training homeowners to care for and propagate these bees.

Alfalfa leafcutting bees