October 2022: To Bee or not to be

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Article 10: The Importance of Bees

by

Yaishna Santchurn – Seeker; M.S., Sustainability Management
Kaveeta Santchurn – Seeker; Backyard Beekeeper

As keystone species in most terrestrial ecosystems, pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, play an integral part in maintaining the health of our natural environments. Three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants depend on pollinators to reproduce, and a variety of mammals and birds rely on insect-pollinated fruits and seeds as a major part of their diet. 

Pollinators are also an essential part of agricultural production and the human food supply chain. Pollination is required by more than 1,000 different plants, including those farmed for food, spices, beverages, medicines, and fibers. Without the assistance of pollinators, the world would be deprived of many foods, including chocolate, coffee, peaches, almonds, tomatoes, melons, strawberries, apples, and a plethora of other fruits, nuts, and vegetables. In fact, on average, one out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of pollinators. Researchers estimate pollinators contribute $500 billion annually to global food production. From this group of pollinator species, the honeybee is one of the most essential in terms of our food security and the health of our ecosystems, given that it takes on the majority of the pollination workload. 

Unfortunately, a growing number of threats have made honeybees susceptible to population loss and endangerment: 

  • Deadly mites: Varroa mites are a bee’s number one enemy. These virus-carrying parasites latch onto and feed off of larvae and adult honeybees, causing malformation, weakened honeybees and ultimately, if left untreated, the breakdown of the overall colony. 
  • Pesticides: A pervasive, dangerous class of pesticides called neonicotinoids poisons bees’ brains, alters their feeding and sleeping patterns, and diminishes their ability to reproduce.
  • Climate change: As temperatures rise, flowers bloom earlier and create a phenological mismatch in timing between when flowers produce pollen and when bees can feed on that pollen (see Figure 1). A warmer climate also reduces the areas where bees can survive.
  • Habitat loss: As climate change and human development make bees’ habitat unlivable, bees are left with nowhere to go, fewer foraging sources, and nowhere to reproduce.

Thankfully, there are a number of ways that we can help the conservation of bees. The most effective way is to help create habitat and provide food for bees in your backyard! This means planting native trees and shrubs that provide nectar and pollen to bees, especially in the early months of spring, when food is scarce.

Figure 1: In general, leaf and bloom events in the United States are happening earlier throughout the North and West but later in much of the South. This observation is generally consistent with regional differences in temperature change, which can be linked to global warming.

References:

Action to Implement

Post your reflections & observations in the comments section below ⬇️

🌱 October 2022: This month, add 1 or 2 regional plants from the Xerces Pollinator Conservation website to your landscape!.

October PS Workshop

CommUnity Reflections

I read a wise quote that shared-
“The bee is more honored than other animals, not because she labors, but because she labors for others.”
We have a lot to be grateful for and to learn from bees. This article highlights the urgency to maintain the health of our natural environment.
As humanity engages in more consumption, and more selfishness we are creating disharmony in the world around us which can have a much deeper impact than we realize.
A paucity of pollinators like bees will adversely impact the food supply chain and create a food shortage. This article inspired me to help in the conservation of bees, by creating habitat and providing food for bees in my backyard. My goal is to focus on planting native trees and shrubs as they are adapted to local soils and climates, which are usually the best sources of nectar and pollen for native pollinators This landscape will promote local biological diversity by providing shelter and food for wildlife. My research showed that by growing Golden Alexanders, Gray goldenrods, Smooth Blue Asters, and Purple Prairie clovers, I will attract our pollinating guests and also add a riot of color to the landscape.
In this small way, I can serve our Earth. I will be a ‘busy bee’ and as my favorite poet William Blake shares- “The busy bee has no time for sorrow.”
We have a lot to learn from bees. Let us learn from them. Let us save them.

~ Saloni Khatri

Little bees have big, important jobs. It is amazing to see how these pollinators are such an integral part of our daily lives. Many of us grow up not knowing the importance of these tiny creatures. I was always told to stay away from bees because they would sting. No one mentions how most of our fruits, vegetables, and nuts are reliant upon pollinators like bees for their production.
As a child, I remember seeing a lot more bees than I do currently. Along with many places across the globe, Texas was hit with record high temperatures this summer. In the middle of summer our grass was brown and our trees and flowering plants were dying. We also had water restrictions so our plants and trees had difficulty surviving, much less thriving as a food source for bees.
It is vital to educate those who don’t understand the impact of bees on agriculture and food production.
As a family, we hope to do some research and figure out which plants and trees would create an environment for bees. This will be our goal for next Spring.
I remember not being fond of bees growing up. But when I realize how crucial they are for us and our environment, I am hoping to see more bees in our surroundings.

~ Deepal Shanmugam

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