Masons move in

A new family moved onto the tree farm this week. They will be living in one of those “tiny houses” and their stay will be temporary.

The Mason family — we are talking about Mason bees — are pollinators. Their numbers have been on the decline for various reasons.

Todd and Kari Stutzman rolled up in their big van with the housing and the bees. Todd set up with a few posts and the boxes along a fence line under an old crab apple tree. The task was completed in a half hour.

The Stutzmans earn a living by taking the bees south to pollinate almonds and other fruit trees in California. In Oregon they have Mason bee ranches that basically grow more bees. 

Masons collect pollen, are extremely gentle and are active in the spring months. They do not make honey but are crucial to produce heavier fruit yields.

The addition of the bees fits in nicely with our Oregon Tree Farm System forest management plan. Wildlife habitat is one of our management system goals.

Kerri Stutzman said they will be back in a few months to check on the Masons. Our tree farm commitment is to try the bees for two years. The Stutzmans will then evaluate the success based on population growth in the hives.

Their business — Northwest Pollination — is based in Canby. We contacted them last July.

Kari Stutzman said she currently has a waiting list of people who are interested in adding Mason bees to their property. You can chat with her about the bees by calling 503-407-5330 or e-mail nwpollen@gmail.com.