A rare, federally-endangered bee species was recently discovered at the Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area. Identified as a rusty patched bumble bee, the lone male pollinator found in the habitat represents approximately 0.2% of the species’ known world population. Minnesota is home to the largest population of the pollinator species at about 35%, with most bees making their home in the Twin Cities metro area. Don Kern, engineering and facilities manager at Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery said that the discovery of this endangered bee species in the Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area is a testament to the environmental dedication of the refinery’s volunteers and employees, adding that the refinery is proud to partner with the Friends of the Mississippi River, and thanks them for their fantastic work in helping to restore this natural area. Owned by Flint Hills Resources, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Macalester College, and located across the highway from its Pine Bend refinery, the Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area is one of the largest natural areas in the Twin Cities.
