Native plants attract native wildlife. This is essential knowledge for conservationists, wildlife biologists and environmental researchers. These flora and fauna were local to a region before colonization or the introduction of invasive species.  

Native plant landscaping is an essential part of the Federal Bee Lab’s conservation efforts, and it could be a game-changer in fighting bee endangerment and extinction. 

What Is the Federal Bee Lab?

The Federal Bee Lab — or Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab — is a research facility in  Laurel, Maryland, where researchers study bees and their relationship to the environment. Their mission is to identify, observe, conserve and protect bees. The lab sits in Maryland’s Patuxent Research Refuge. Once home to a breeding facility for whooping cranes, the lab now houses over 750,000 bee specimens from around the world. 

Bees pollinate an estimated 75% of vegetables, fruits and nuts in the United States. They also produce honey, beeswax and other products used in medicine and food. Bees are vital to human and animal survival. Researchers have studied bees in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area for over a century. 

Before leading the lab, wildlife biologist Sam Droege studied birds and amphibians. Through the bee lab, he discovered how essential native landscaping is to wildlife’s healthy proliferation and survival.  

How Does the Federal Bee Lab Use Native Plants?

The Federal Bee Lab grows native plants to welcome wildlife and revitalize the local ecosystem. The Patuxent Research Refuge was covered with invasive plant species — not unlike many landscapes in the United States. Droege made it his mission to restore the lab’s environment by replacing these invasive plants with native ones. 

Native plants could be the answer to addressing the growing disappearance of bee species. According to a 2023 U.S. Forest Service report, the abundance of bees has declined by 62.5% in southeastern forests. Experts are especially concerned about the decline of bumble bees. Over one-quarter of bumble bee species risk extinction in the United States and Canada. 

Droege and lab manager Sydney Shumar eliminated invasive plants by laying down wood chips, which also revitalized diminished soils. Native vegetation reappeared, inviting wildlife — like bees, birds and butterflies — to the region. To spread the word on the importance of native plants and wildlife, the lab welcomes volunteers and environmental groups to visit the lab and even take seeds and soil home.  

What Are the Benefits of Native Plant Landscaping?

One of the benefits of landscaping with native plants is that they’re low maintenance. They are already ideal for the local climate and soil. Planting these species also means saving money on water since the plants’ needs align with your area’s conditions.  

Environments without native plants are like “food deserts” for local wildlife, and — because the planet’s ecosystem is interconnected — a lack of vegetation decreases the number of animals. For gardeners and landscapers who want to participate in the conservation effort, Droege advises using native plants in various colors and shapes to attract bees. Since bees can’t see red, lean toward purple and blue flowers instead. 

How Do You Landscape With Native Plants?

Follow these tips in your native plant garden design to be part of the growing effort to revitalize native plant species.

1. Find out what plants are native to your region. 
2. See if any native plants are already growing in your garden. If so, plant more of the species since you know they can thrive.  
3. Remove invasive species, loosen soil and control erosion to prepare your environment.
4. Understand what soil type you have to know which plants will do best.
5. Buy native plants from nurseries instead of removing them from the wild. Most species do not survive transplanting, and digging them up depletes their numbers.  
6. Limit or avoid fertilizer and anti-pest chemicals in your native plant lawn when possible, as most species are sensitive to them.  

Landscaping With Native Plants 

A healthy ecosystem depends on all its parts. As the Federal Bee Lab researchers would agree, native plant landscaping is an excellent way to encourage the proliferation of local wildlife and bee species. 

Head to your local nursery to find out what plants are native to your region and how you can help strengthen your local ecosystem.