72 Microseasons of the Pacific Northwest

Early to mid-March brings the emergence of orchard mason bees (Osmia lignaria) and other native spring bees throughout the Pacific Northwest. These solitary, non-aggressive bees are among the first pollinators to become active, emerging when temperatures consistently reach 55-60°F. Mason bees are incredibly efficient pollinators, with a single female capable of pollinating as many flowers as 100 honeybees. Watch for these metallic blue-black bees visiting early-blooming flowers like red flowering currant, Indian plum, fruit tree blossoms, and willows. Unlike honeybees, mason bees nest in pre-existing holes in wood, hollow stems, and specially-designed bee houses, making them excellent candidates for backyard pollinator conservation. Their emergence signals the true awakening of spring pollinator activity across the region.

Fiddlehead ferns are underway in western lowlands—collect while still tightly coiled and blanch before eating. Wild ramp shoots and wild onion greens begin appearing in moist riparian woodlands. Spring Chinook fishing peaks on the lower Columbia through the Bonneville Pool.