Bees and butterflies thrive among summer flowers in the Tri-Cities.

BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) — Recently, you may have observed butterflies and bees actively foraging in gardens. Late July marks a peak period for pollinators as summer blooms offer plentiful nectar and pollen. Species such as monarchs, swallowtails, and honey bees are capitalizing on this floral bounty. Don Holt, an assistant naturalist at Steele Creek Nature Center, notes that butterfly activity in the Tri-Cities is on the rise, especially after a slow spring. “This is the time of year their numbers are going to start picking up,” he stated.