In the heart of America’s breadbasket, a quiet revolution is blooming. Across Kansas—where 97% of the land is privately owned—a growing network of farmers, ranchers, and backyard gardeners are transforming their properties into sanctuaries for one of nature’s most vital workers: the bee.
Why Kansas Matters for Pollinators
Kansas may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of bee conservation, but its vast grasslands and agricultural fields are critical habitat for native pollinators. Decades of intensive farming, herbicide use, and habitat loss have pushed many bee species to the brink. Now, a grassroots movement is proving that private landowners hold the key to reversing this trend .
The Power of Native Plants
At the core of this effort is a simple but powerful idea: plant native. Unlike ornamental flowers that offer little nutritional value, native Kansas wildflowers like purple coneflower, milkweed, and goldenrod provide the pollen and nectar bees need to thrive. These plants are also drought-tolerant and require less maintenance—making them a win-win for both landowners and pollinators.
Meet the Changemakers
One such advocate is Sarah Jennings, a fourth-generation farmer near Emporia. “I used to think every inch of my land had to be in production,” she says. “Now, I leave strips along my fields for wildflowers. The bees came back within a season—and so did the birds.”
Groups like the Kansas Forest Service and the Xerces Society are supporting these efforts by offering free seed mixes, technical guidance, and even cost-share programs to help landowners convert unused acreage into pollinator habitat .
From Backyards to Ranches: A Statewide Shift
The movement isn’t limited to rural farms. In Wichita and Lawrence, suburban homeowners are replacing lawns with pocket prairies. Schools are installing pollinator gardens as outdoor classrooms. Even city parks are redesigning landscapes to support bees and butterflies.
This collective action is creating a patchwork of green corridors across the state—what scientists call “stepping stones”—that allow pollinators to move, feed, and reproduce safely.
Why Saving Bees Is Everyone’s Business
Bees aren’t just about honey. They pollinate over 75% of the world’s flowering plants and nearly 35% of global food crops—from apples and almonds to canola and clover. In Kansas, healthy pollinator populations directly support the state’s $15 billion agricultural economy .
Moreover, native bees—like the solitary ground-nesting species common in the Great Plains—are often more efficient pollinators than imported honeybees, especially for local crops.
How You Can Help
- Plant native: Choose region-appropriate wildflowers from local nurseries.
- Reduce chemicals: Avoid pesticides and herbicides, especially during bloom season.
- Leave some wild space: Let a corner of your yard grow naturally—it’s perfect for nesting bees.
- Support local programs: Check with your county extension office for pollinator initiatives.
As one Kansas rancher put it: “We don’t own the land—we borrow it from our grandchildren. And if we want them to eat, we better start taking care of the bees.”
