How can we help protect the endangered rusty patched bumble bee and other pollinators this autumn? In this episode, Jill Utrup, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, talks about why it’s worthwhile to “leave your leaves” on yards and gardens and then take other actions in the spring and summer to support the endangered rusty patched bumble bee and other overwintering pollinators. You can also download a transcript of this episode.

You can learn more on the University of Minnesota Extension website about fall cleanup for pollinators, bagging or mulching your leaves, as well as nests and fall cleanup for pollinators. Jill Utrup also shared US Fish and Wildlife Service websites where you can learn more about the rusty patched bumble bee:

https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/rpbb/

https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/rpbb/conservation.html

https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/rpbb/pdf/MidwestPlantGuideRPBB.pdf