Strategies for Urban Pollinator Management Using Habitat Monitoring and Restoration Planning in Portland OR

Loss of habitat is a major factor in the decline of insect pollinators. However, many untapped land sources in urban environments may be improved to support a diverse abundance of pollinators. In this study I wanted to understand what native bees and other insect pollinators were present at varied urban sites across Portland, Oregon, and what floral resources they utilized. I performed pollinator monitoring at 8 sites in the summer of 2019 with assistance from PSU and community volunteers. Using a variation of The Xerces Society Monitoring Protocol, which organizes bees into 10 morphogroups, as well as setting collection cups (traps filled with soapy water), we collected pollinator floral preference data and insect specimens for identification. This information allowed me to analyze factors that may be supporting or hindering pollinator populations in these urban sites. I discovered that there are multiple different morphogroups of native bees present at these sites. Many of these native bees as well as flies, wasps and butterflies are utilizing floral species that are non-native and often invasive. This is something land managers should be mindful of when planning for pollinator restoration