🐝 Spotlight on the Alkali Bee: A Tiny Pollinator Worth Millions
This episode of Human Footprint introduces viewers to the alkali bee—a humble, solitary native bee that quietly powers a significant slice of U.S. agriculture. Unlike honey bees, alkali bees specialize in pollinating alfalfa seed crops, making them indispensable to farmers in Washington's Walla Walla Valley. One grower shared that these bees help increase yields so substantially that they're effectively worth one million dollars per year on certain operations.
🌾 What Makes Alkali Bees Extraordinary?
Highly specialized pollinators: Alkali bees thrive in ground-nesting “bee beds” maintained by farmers. Each female can visit thousands of flowers daily, dramatically boosting crop seed production.
Economically powerful: In just a few acres, alkali bees can pollinate enough alfalfa to yield up to 400 extra pounds per acre—translating to millions in value across a farm.
Underappreciated species: While over 4,000 bee species exist in North America, solitary species like the alkali bee receive little public attention—even though their ecological and economic impact is vast.
💡 Broader Themes: Biodiversity, Innovation, and Hope
This story reveals how native, wild bees—often overshadowed by the honey bee—are critical for food production and resilience in agriculture.
It showcases creative stewardship in action: farmers cultivating sustainable bee habitat, limiting pesticide exposure, and adapting infrastructure to protect pollinators.
Ultimately, the film makes a powerful case that diversity matters—not just among crops, but among the pollinators that serve them.
✅ Why It Matters
“This Bee Is Worth Millions” isn’t just a nature documentary—it’s a call to broaden our view of pollination, conservation, and agriculture. It reminds us that even the tiniest creatures can deliver enormous value when we give them the support they deserve.
If you're curious about native bees, sustainable farming, or how unseen ecosystems sustain our food systems, this episode is a must-watch.
Check out another great PBS video on bumble bees here.