Advocates point to shrinking habitats and simple steps residents can take to support pollinators statewide.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

Beekeepers across Utah marked Earth Day by raising concerns about declining bee habitats and encouraging residents to take practical steps to protect pollinators critical to the food supply.

The state is considered a major hotspot for native bees, with more than 1,100 species identified, according to the Utah State University Extension. However, as population growth continues, the natural environments bees rely on for nesting and feeding are diminishing.

“One in every three bites of food has been pollinated by a bee of some sort,” said Annessa Bachman, a manager and educator at Deseret Hive Supply. “If we don’t have pollinators, then we don’t have food.”

Beekeepers say small changes at home can make a meaningful difference. Bachman advised avoiding pesticides and herbicides, particularly near known bee colonies, and allowing naturally occurring plants like dandelions to grow. She noted that dandelions provide an early food source for bees, but contamination from chemicals can harm entire hives when bees return carrying tainted pollen.

Efforts to improve conditions for pollinators are already underway in parts of the state. Utah Department of Agriculture and Food launched the Utah Pollinator Habitat Program as a pilot in 2021, and it became a permanent, legislatively funded initiative in 2025. The program distributes bee-friendly plants to approved applicants to help restore habitat.

At the local level, Provo became the first city in Utah to join Bee City USA, a national program that promotes pollinator-friendly education, signage, and landscaping practices in public spaces.

The Utah State University Extension recommends several approaches for homeowners to support bee populations, including planting native flowers, leaving areas of bare soil or plant stalks for nesting, and avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides. Suggested native plants include yarrow, penstemon, milkweed, bee plant, columbine, rabbitbrush, sunflower, serviceberry, and clove currant.

Education efforts are also part of the push to increase awareness. Deseret Hive Supply hosted a “Help The Bees” event on Earth Day featuring a live observation hive, seed bomb-making activities, wildflower giveaways, and honey tastings, aiming to engage families and promote pollinator-friendly practices across the state.