During the 2001 field season at Fort Pickett-MTC, Mason bees were found pollinating the federally endangered Rhus michauxii. Mason bees are solitary insects, meaning they have no hive or queen. They live 6-8 weeks from mid-March to mid-May, perfect timing for fruit trees and berries.
Fort Pickett has the largest known population of Rhus michauxii in the world.

Photos: Verl Emrick
Information: www.orst.edu/extension/douglas/masonbee.html. July 16, 2001.