A Special Great Garden Series by Durango Botanic Gardens

This engaging talk by Melissa Schreiver, a Tri-River Area Extension Entomologist, highlights the incredible diversity of bees in Colorado, with over 1,000 species and counting, making the state one of the most bee-rich regions in the nation.

This presentation will delve into the biology, life cycles, and behavior of various bee groups and the plants they depend on, while examining how Colorado's unique ecosystems—from the high alpine to our deserts—shape bee populations. Melissa will also address the challenges bees face, including climate change and habitat loss, etc. She will discuss how these factors impact bee distribution, health, and survival. Attendees will learn to identify different bee species common in Colorado, understand their role as pollinators, and gain insights into how to get involved in supporting native pollinators. This presentation combines scientific knowledge with practical strategies, inspiring an appreciation for Colorado's bees and how they interact with our natural world.