Pollinators

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, operations at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have been significantly reduced. All in-person UMass Extension events have been canceled or postponed. More information about changes to extension services can be found here. 

Additionally, MDAR apiary inspections for hobbyists and sideliners have unfortunately been suspended. Read the following letter for more information. 

We realize this is a challenging time for everyone and we thank you for your patience and understanding. Please continue to check this page and the Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment for more updates. 

At UMass Amherst, researchers and extension professionals from diverse disciplines are working to improve the health of honey bees and native pollinators.

If you want to receive emails with information about upcoming workshops or research updates, click here to join our mailing list.

Use the navigation panel to:

• Get help removing a swarm!
• Explore information about beekeeping 
• Find out about workshops offered by UMass Extension and other organizations in Massachusetts
• Learn about bee research: 
  • Get a summary of the latest honey bee science at The Research Buzz
  • Explore pollinator research at UMass.

Or click on the buttons below to explore the following topic areas:

(If you are a UMass student interested in bees, scroll down to the bottom of this page!)

Honey Bees

Native Bees

Managing Landscapes for Pollinators

Are you a UMass student interested in bees? Here are some ways to get involved:

• Join the Fernald Club (the UMass Amherst Entomology club). Contact Alison Fowler to find out more: aefowler@umass.edu

• Apply to work in a research lab (check out the list of affiliated faculty)
• Take the Stockbridge Practical Beekeeping Course
• Keep an eye out for summer internships though the MDAR apiary program