Missouri and Kansas are losing hundreds of bee species. Here's how you can make a difference

Missouri and Kansas are home to approximately 400 different bee species. Some residents are turning their yards and balconies into havens of native plants.

To Tom Schroeder, every bee is a work of art.

His own words, backed up with hundreds of photos in his camera roll from the prairies and woods of Kansas City WildLands . With more than two decades of volunteering with the group, he’s become a bee enthusiast– but not an expert, he’ll clarify.

“We’re the ones who are invading the bees’ territory, and so we need to respect and take care of them,” Schroeder said. “It’s fascinating to look at their structures. Just look at them. And see how unique each one is? Many of them have very beautiful colors.”

Missouri and Kansas are home to approximately 400 different bee species, according to