Osmia atriventris (Maine Blueberry Bee) - One of the more than 276 bees native to Maine!
Native pollinators
Maine Bee Wellness believes that given a healthy environment both native pollinators and Honey bees can coexist. This is primarily based on observational experience.
University of Maine resources
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension has a published a number of fact sheets about native pollinators. The Entomology Department has been fortunate to have outstanding researchers who make their knowledge and learnings available:
Field Conservation Management of Native Leafcutting and Mason Osmia Bees
Wild Bee Conservation for Wild Blueberry Fields
Farming for Bees: Guidelines for Providing Native Bee Habitat on Farms
Bees and their Habitats in Four New England States (PDF)
Tactics to Reduce Pesticide Exposure to Honey and Native Bees
Understanding Native Bees, the Great Pollinators: Enhancing Their Habitat in Maine (PDF)
Other native pollinator resources
Pollinator Partnership & NAPPC: Selecting Plants for Pollinators (PDF)
“The Wonder of Wild Bees” (blog post by First Light Wildlife Habitats)