Need a unique gift for family and friends this holiday season? Consider making bee homes! About 30% of native bees are cavity nesters, which means they live in small holes and tunnels in trees, buildings and other crevices. 

It can be a very simple craft project. Click here for a tutorial.  The Xerces Society also has information on making bee homes. 

If you are not feeling crafty, you can always purchase a bee home as well. 

It is a great educational opportunity for kids and adults to watch native bees nest within viewing distance. Female leafcutter bees will carry pieces of leaves into their nest to build a chamber for each egg they lay.

Leafcutter bees and other native cavity nesters are not aggressive, if you place the bee house near your home.