How Can You Help?

"Not a single bee has ever sent you an invoice. And that is part of the problem - because most of what comes to us from nature is free, because it is not invoiced, because it is not priced, because it is not traded in markets, we tend to ignore it." ~ Pavan Sukhdev, United Nations report, The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity.

1. BECOME A BEEKEEPER

This part is not as hard as you'd think. Classes are available, and you don't need much space. Beekeeping only requires the time it takes to inspect a hive every couple of weeks. The process has been more fun and more fascinating than I realized it was going to be!

2. HELP PROTECT SWARMS

As fearsome as they look swarms are a way of colonies multiplying, and aren't at all aggressive. When a queen is replaced she will leave a hive with half the colony and look (usually within 1/4 mile) for another suitable home.

3. PLANT BEE FRIENDLY PLANTS

Some plants are more nutritious to bees than others. Take a look at the following link and find what suits your interests. From attractive lilac, heather, aster, and lavender to to tasty basil, thyme, oregano, and rosemary to use in the kitchen as well as a host of flowering fruits and vegetables

C lick here to find more bee friendly plants to enrich your local colonies.

4. BUY LOCAL HONEY

Honey is not only delicious, but has a number of medical benefits. Honeys bought locally have been shown to build tolerances to local allergens. Buying locally supports local beekeepers... and local bees!

5. SUPPORT BETTER RESEARCH ON THE HONEY BEE

Honey bee populations are in decline, and nobody can say exactly why. Most likely there are a number of reasons like pesticide use, increasingly spray resistant parasites, and human expansion wiping out regular food sources. We need more facts and data to get answers and turn this around.

6. PROTECT HONEY BEE'S HABITAT

As mentioned before, loss of habitat and regular food scourges is one likely reason for population decline. Bees need wild spaces where a variety of flowering plants can grow.

7. ENCOURAGE LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO USE BEE FRIENDLY PLANTS IN PUBLIC SPACES

Give your mayor or local selectman a call. Let them know you care about the environment and the bees that pollinate it. Bee friendly plants aren't hard to come by... you may take a look at the link above and show off your knowledge.

8. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS FASCINATING INSECT

Bees are incredibly complex and interesting. There are TONS of ways to learn more. Read a book on them, take a local class, visit an apiary. You'll be shocked what you find out.

9. BEE FRIENDLY

I get it...they're stinging insects. But despite what 80's horror movies told us bees aren't aggressive. In fact, it's in a bee's best interest not to sting you because a bee dies when it does. Be open to the positive effects bees can have on your environment and do your best to be an advocate.

10. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BEEKEEPER

That's right, supporting local beekeepers means supporting local bees. Given that bees pollinate one in every three meals in the United States, we need to give them all the help we can. So come on... give bees a chance!