Native Bee Nests

Solitary native bees pollinate everything from apricots to squash.
The bee species have a lot on their plate, especially with honey bees on the decline.
Building a simple bees nest is a great way to bolster their habitat.

1) Gather sticks with hollow or pithy stems, such as dried blackberry and raspberry canes, Siberian iris stalks, or bamboo. Cut them into 6- to 8- inch lengths. For bamboo, make the cut right below a node so each stick has one open and one closed end.

2) Bundle the sticks together in groups of 10 to 15. Secure by wrapping a 22- gauge wire around each end of the bundle and twisting it tight.

3) In early spring, place the nests in an evergreen tree or under the eaves of a house. Choose a spot with a southeastern exposure that receives morning sun and is shaded in the afternoon.
Some bees prefer horizontally arranged nests and other vertical ones.
Position a few nests and use the wire to firmly attach them to a spot 3 to 6 feet off the ground. Turn the remaining nests upright and push them into the ground like a stake.

from: Organic Gardening