Backyard garden full of purple bee balm upon which an endangered rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) feeds.

Rusty Patched Bumble Bees

Once common, rusty patched bumble bee populations have declined by almost 90% over the last 20 years. Today, they are found in only 1% of their historic range. Their dramatic decline may be caused by numerous threats - disease, pesticides, climate change, and habitat loss. Scientists, nonprofits, government organizations, and communities are all trying to find solutions for bringing this iconic bee back from the brink of extinction.

This project uses visual stories and collaboration with scientists, organizations, and communities to highlight this bee’s decline and paths for its recovery.

Photos from this project have been published by Wisconsin Public Radio.