Lunchtime Expedition: Flowers, Bees, and Supporting Pollinators in a Changing World

Discover how pollinator habitat restoration, planting for pollinators, and native bee conservation can support both healthy ecosystems and food systems. In this Lunchtime Expedition, Dr. Laura Burkle, professor of Ecology at Montana State University, will explore the critical relationships between flowering plants and their pollinators—especially native bees. Drawing from her research in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Dr. Burkle will explain how specific flowering plants impact bee populations and how you can apply these insights to support pollinators in your own yard or in large-scale restoration projects.
Dr. Laura Burkle teaches in the Department of Ecology at Montana State University in Bozeman. Her research focuses on plant-pollinator interactions and how environmental changes—including wildfire, climate shifts, and chemical exposure—impact pollinator communities. Across the Rocky Mountain West, she investigates ways to conserve and restore native bees and their habitats. Outside of her academic work, Dr. Burkle enjoys trail running, gardening, baking, crafting, music, and spending time outdoors with her family.