How to Protect Oregon’s Native Pollinators, From Parasitic Invaders to ‘Tickle Bees’

Beekeepers celebrated World Honey Bee Day this past weekend, celebrating all the work that pollinators do for us every day. But here in Oregon, there’s a lot more than just honey bees buzzing around: We have 600 species of bees, all doing their thing, pollinating plants. And a lot of them don’t look or act how you’d expect. Today on City Cast Portland, we’re listening back to a conversation between lead producer John Notarianni and Rich Hatfield, a senior conservation biologist with the Xerces Society who’s studied native bees for 25 years. He’s here to tell us why they’re so important, how to protect them, and how to observe them out in the wild — without getting stung. This conversation first aired on May 11, 2023 Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm , or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448 . Still want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland , and be sure to follow us on Instagram . Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise .