Issue #3: Abandoned farmland is key habitat for the Rusty-patched Bumblebee
The Rusty-Patched Bumblebee was declared endangered in 2017. This bee is a key native pollinator that has seen numbers dwindle due to habitat loss and other factors.
When farmland is abandoned or left fallow, it can create valuable foraging habitat for the rusty patched bumble bee. In these areas, abandoned rodent burrows provide critical overwintering sites for queens, helping support the species' survival and recovery.
The Rusty-Patched Bumblebee has been identified in Buffalo Grove and in communities to the North, South, East and West. The presence of wetlands, vernal pools, abandoned farm fields, and other habitat features in the proposed development site is essential for the survival of this species. The habitat at the proposed development location may already be supporting this species; nobody has looked.
Maintaining open spaces at R-1 densities is critical for supporting the recovery of this species. Annexation for the purposes of increased development does not benefit the residents of Buffalo Grove and is at odds with Goal # 2 of the Village’s Strategic plan (Enhanced, beautiful, safe, sustainable neighborhoods).
The location of the proposed development contains a diverse array of floral resources for pollinators such as the (proposed threatened) Monarch and the (endangered) Rusty-Patched Bumblebee.
Habitat loss is one of the biggest obstacles preventing the return of the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee. Preserving open space can help this species recover.
Rusty-Patched Bumblebee has been located in the southern portion of Buffalo Grove as well as to the north, south, east, and west. Red indicates that the presence of this species must be assumed. Yellow indicates the presence is currently unknown. The Blue circle indicates the project location.
The light blue square indicates this area is a priority for the USFWS to study and determine the status of the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee. Dark blue indicates the presence of this species has been confirmed. The red circle is the proposed development location.