I recently watched a really interesting show about bees called "The last beekeeper" on Planet Green. It's a show about the massive decline of bees happening all over the world right now. In 1950 there were 500,000 beekeepers. In 2006 there were only 1,600. That is shocking! 100's of vegetables and fruits are reliant on bees for pollination. That's our food supply. Without bees many flowering plants fail to set seed and without flowering plants there is no food for bees, which in turn means no fresh food for us! According to Landcare Research bees are responsible for our every fourth bite of food. WOW!
I've always had a fondness for bees. As a child I had many allergies and had an allergy scratch test done.
I was told that I was very allergic to bees. Living in Montana there used to bees everywhere. I didn't really think much of the warning from the allergy doctors. About six years ago I was walking around the neighborhood and a bee flew into me and I ended up getting stung. It hurt but I was ok. I've never had a deep fear of bees or insects.
A few years ago I was working out in the backyard gardening when I went into my shed to get supplies.
I had been alone and off in thought for most of the afternoon and was in a very calm state of mind. When I walked into my shed I was caught off guard by the sounds that I was hearing. It sounded like a party was going on and they're where various words being said. As I stood there listening I began to hear a hum and I realized bees had made a hive in my shed. I was completely in awe of the communication happening between the bees. They were talking (communicating) on a level we are not normally tuned into. They communicate on a different frequency. For whatever reason that day I unexpectedly tuned into their frequency. I now have an even deeper respect for the bees and the role they play on our planet. I will never forget that day. I'm sure other people have tuned into the bees and I'm hoping they will come and share their experiences. I have bushes planted along the sides of my yard that produce little yellow flowers every spring that attract bees of all sizes. One kind in particular is very large. They are so busy collecting pollen you can even gently touch them and feel how soft they are. It really is quite amazing to pet a bee!
Learn More About Natures Secret Messages.
What's killing the bees?
- Pesticides, Diseases, Herbicides and Insecticides
- There is a huge debate that Genetically Modified crops are greatly effecting bee pollination.
- The varroa mite
- Eat honey from your local beekeepers, this helps to build immunities against allergies from local pollen and supports your local beekeepers.
- Plant a backyard bee-friendly garden. Plant native plants too. Local bees are more drawn to native plants.
- Provide a small container of water for the bees in your garden space.
- Avoid pesticides in your yard, it's better for you, your family, your pets and the environment.
- If pest control is necessary try using beneficial insects in your garden. (Bugs that will eat your unwanted bugs.)
- Sponsor a bee hive
- Teach your children where honey really comes from. Plant your bee friendly garden together.
This site plays a cute honey bee song for little kids.
Printable bee coloring pages.
Video about the life cycle of bees.
Excellent web sources for learning about bees and how you can help.
The Last Beekeeper Documentary On Planet Green
Help Save The Bees
Plant A Bee Friendly Garden
Sponsor A Hive
Learn About Bee Research Funding
The Waggle Dance Of The Bees
Search For Local Honey In Your Area
PBS Educational Video On The Decline Of The Bees
Resources For Teaching Children About Bees-One World Poster
Birds And The Bees Key To Food Future
Written by: Carol Lawrence
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