Rare American Bee Species Discovered at Lincoln College Creekside Center
Bombus pensylvanicus Identified in Prairie Plot

 

[August 19, 2020]    Lincoln College’s Dr. G. Dennis Campbell Creekside Outdoor Center for Environmental Education, located north of Lincoln, recently discovered an American bumblebee (Bombus pensylvanicus) for the first time in the restored prairie plot.

The species, once abundant, is now listed as vulnerable, especially across the northeastern portion of North America.

The bee was seen by local amateur naturalist Pam Moriearty and documented by her photographs. “Bumblees are very single-minded when they’re visiting flowers and don’t mind getting their picture taken,” Moriearty said. Moriearty was able to get five clear images of the bee.

The photo was submitted to beespotter.org, a University of Illinois website that provides information and species identification for bumblebees. The site confirmed the species, which Moriearty identified using a key of the 11 bumblebee species in Illinois. Over 400 Midwest bee sightings have been reported to beespotter.org in 2020, but only 12 have been identified as the American bumblebee.

“Having this uncommon bumblebee at Creekside is very encouraging,” said Creekside Director Dr. Dennis Campbell. “Almost everyone is aware of the alarming decline in the honeybee population and of the negative consequences of that loss but most people don’t realize that Illinois also has over 400 species of native bees which pollinate our crops and native plants. Many of these bees are in trouble, so Creekside’s restored tall-grass prairie, native woodland garden, and pollinator plot can play an important role in providing a safe haven for them,” Campbell added.

Creekside, Lincoln College’s Outdoor Center for Environmental Education is an innovative 104-acre educational site recognized by the scientific community for its biological diversity and geological and archeological significance.  

The Center features a lecture pavilion, insectarium, greenhouse, restored tall grass prairie, native gardens, demonstration pond, counsel ring fire pit, solar and wind energy developments, storm water management and rain garden, nature trails, and boardwalk leading to Sugar Creek.

Creekside is an integral part of the hands-on learning opportunities Lincoln College students experience. Coursework for the conversation biology major require students to apply their classroom learning at Creekside. Students from all course levels carry out scientific experiments using portable laboratory equipment capable of taking a range of data.

Though frequently used for Lincoln College science curriculum, Creekside is available to area educators for teaching students of all ages about land use, environmental science and conservation, research projects, and to the general public for walking and recreation.

Creekside has free parking and portable restroom facilities. Boardwalks and sidewalks make the site handicapped-accessible.

Creekside is approximately 4 miles due north of Lincoln, off of County Rd 2000N halfway between County Road 1100E and 1215th Ave (Google map address is 1234 2000th St., Lincoln, 62656); from Co Rd 2000N take the gravel road (at the large Creekside sign) north to the Center.

For more information, contact Creekside Director, Dr. G. Dennis Campbell, 217-735-7260; [e-mail]

[Lauren Grenlund
Director of Public Relations
Lincoln College]