Minnesota Sharp-Tailed Grouse Society

Happy 4th of July to all!
The MINNESOTA SHARP-TAILED GROUSE SOCIETY is honored to celebrate 250 years.

🔥How Prescribed Fire Supports Bees and Wasps🐝
New research shows that prescribed fire can play an important role in supporting pollinators, especially ground-nesting bees and wasps.

Researchers found that recently burned areas (1–2 years post-fire) supported more bee species and higher bee abundance nesting in the soil compared to areas burned less often or not burned at all. Wasps also responded positively, with greater diversity and abundance in all burned areas versus unburned sites.

When it came to foraging on flowers, bee activity was highest in areas burned at intermediate intervals (every 2–4 years) during early spring. This suggests that while frequent fire supports nesting habitat, a mix of fire timing helps ensure strong plant-pollinator interactions.

Researcher note, “ground-nesting pollinators prefer burned areas for nesting,” and bees appear to be “especially sensitive to fire frequency.”

Overall, the study suggests that a patchwork approach to fire management, with areas burned every 1, 2, and 4 years, may provide the best balance of nesting sites and floral resources for both bees and wasps.

📄 Source:
Fulton, L.J.G., Ulyshen, M.D. & Mallinger, R.E. Frequent Fire Supports Ground-Nesting Bees and Wasps in Florida Longleaf Pine Flatwoods (2026)