A day to honor these unsung tiny heroes!
As Spring starts to bloom all around us here in Ohio and you see a bee humming along, give thanks, for without bees our world would be a bland and boring place! On May 20th join us in celebrating World Bee Day. They play an invaluable role in our ecosystem. Read on to see just how important it is for us to protect these essential pollinators.
Maybe you have never given a bee a second thought as it gracefully flies from bloom to bloom. But they have an important job, as they touch each bloom, they pick up pollen and spread it to other blooms, helping these plants reproduce. From the food on our tables to the beauty of our natural landscapes, bees are responsible for pollinating a significant portion of the crops and plants that sustain life as we know it. Without them, our world would be a barren and less diverse place.
Unfortunately, the world is stacked against them right now. Bees are struggling and face numerous threats to their survival. Pesticides, habitat loss, climate change, and diseases are just some of the challenges that they confront daily. Without these vital pollinators we would not have food on our plates, in fact, a third of the world’s food production depends on bees!
What can you do to help, you may ask?
- Plant a pollinator garden on a balcony, terrace or in your yard. Bees love nectar rich flowers such as marigolds, sunflowers, bee balm, black eyed susan, and coneflower just to name a few. Pick up a packet of seeds at your local nursery labeled ‘Pollinator Mix’ and you’ll be ‘buzzing’ in no time! Please make sure you take care to avoid the use of harmful pesticides when tending to these plants.
- Local beekeepers work hard at keeping their bees healthy and happy. Consider supporting them by purchasing locally made honey, soaps, candles, and other products made with beeswax. Did you know that consuming honey made locally can help with seasonal allergies as well? Yet another reason to love bees!
- Create a ‘Bee Bath’. They work hard at buzzing around all day, why not reward them with a cool drink on a hot summer day? Simply fill a shallow bird bath or small bowl with clean water. Lay small stones of various sizes in your chosen container. Fill with water, being careful to leave some of the stones above the water line. The bees will land on the stones and take a long, refreshing drink.
These are just a few of the many ways you can help these tiny, amazing creatures! Please join us as we celebrate the humble bee on May 20th.