State agencies have invested in understanding the presence of pollinators such as bees and monarch butterflies through conducting biological surveys and research. An example of this kind of project is the Minnesota Bee Survey. Even when such projects are bee-focused, they provide benefits to monarchs by encouraging habitat restoration through better understanding of the habitat needs of native pollinators. Creation of foraging habitat for other pollinators will benefit monarchs by providing nectar sources and potentially host plants, if milkweed is included in habitat recommendations. For example, the Minnesota Bee Survey is working to re-examine bee species in Minnesota.

“There are approximately 400 native bee species in Minnesota. The exact number is unknown because the most recent state species list was published in 1919. Additionally, less than 2% of Minnesota’s prairie habitat remains today. It’s important to record what bee species live in Minnesota and which habitats they prefer so we can practice effective pollinator conservation. To support this research, the Minnesota Biological Survey applied to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources for a grant from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. This project began July 1, 2014” (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 2015).

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2015. Minnesota Biological Survey. dnr.state.mn.us/mbs/index.html.

Keywords: habitat, model concept, survey