2024 Dry Rose

The Worker Bee Collection Series /  Dr. Ron Bitner, internationally known bee biologist has worked with bees for over 50 years. He is on the Board of Directors of the Pollinator Partnership and has been the principal investigator of a multi-year survey of native bees in the Treasure Valley, which pollinates the crops of southwest Idaho. To date, 72 distinct species have been identified. This vintage, we celebrate Halictus ligatus, a species of sweat bee from the family Halictidae, among the species that mine or burrow into the ground to create their nests. This bee is classified as a “generalist,” meaning it is known to feed on a wide variety of flowers. One of their favorites is the dandelion early in the spring, which is rendered here beautifully by artist Felicia Weston. 

Pollinator Partnership (www.pollinator.org) has a wealth of information and resources to help protect, preserve, and promote bees and other pollinators.