About Plan Bees
Community-based bee conservation in Lane County, Oregon
Our Mission
Plan Bees is a community service dedicated to preserving and supporting local bee populations in Lane County, Oregon. We believe that protecting pollinators requires both immediate action—like rescuing swarms and relocating nests—and long-term thinking about habitat, education, and coexistence.
What We Do
Honey Bee Swarm Removal
When a honey bee colony swarms, it's looking for a new home. We provide free swarm removal services in the Eugene and Springfield area, safely capturing swarms and relocating them to managed hives where they can thrive under a beekeeper's care.
Bumblebee Rescue & Relocation
Bumblebees are native to our area and play a crucial role in our ecosystems. When people discover a bumblebee nest in an inconvenient location, we provide guidance on coexistence options and, when necessary, humane relocation solutions.
Native Bee Habitat Support
The Willamette Valley is home to dozens of native bee species, from mason bees and mining bees to sweat bees and leafcutters. We provide information and guidance on creating pollinator-friendly habitats that support these often-overlooked species.
Our Approach
We approach every situation with the understanding that people and pollinators can coexist. We provide calm, clear information about what's happening and what options are available.
Not every situation requires intervention. Sometimes the best solution is patience and understanding—a swarm might move on within hours, a bumblebee nest is temporary and seasonal, or a patch of ground-nesting bees is doing important work in your garden.
When action is needed, we prioritize solutions that preserve the bees whenever possible. Relocation rather than extermination. Education rather than fear. Long-term habitat thinking rather than quick fixes that just shift the problem elsewhere.
Why Bees Matter
Pollinators are essential to our food systems and natural ecosystems. About one-third of the food we eat relies on insect pollination, and bees are the most important pollinator group. Beyond agriculture, native bees pollinate wildflowers and native plants that form the foundation of healthy ecosystems.
Bees face numerous threats: habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate change, diseases, and parasites. By providing humane alternatives when people encounter bees, and by supporting habitat creation, we're working to ensure these vital pollinators continue to thrive in our community.