Millions of ground-nesting bees discovered beneath a tiny Ithaca cemetery

Scientists from Cornell University examined a 1.5-acre section of a cemetery in Ithaca, New York, and estimated that it hosts about 5.5 million wild, ground-nesting bees. By mapping nest densities, measuring how many females occupy each nest and applying known reproductive rates, the team derived the figure for a single nesting season. The cemetery’s compacted, well-drained soil, short-grass management and low pesticide application provide a stable environment for the bees.

Nearby flowering plants supply the necessary nectar and pollen, allowing the insects to thrive without disturbing visitors. The discovery overturns the common belief that cities lack suitable habitats for native bees and highlights the potential of small, managed green spaces—such as cemeteries, parks, and schoolyards—to act as pollinator sanctuaries.