Earth Day Celebration

Bee Population Decreasing

"Scientists are researching the potential consequences of the rapid decline of the honey bee population in the U.S. and how to mitigate its effects before it causes dire problems for crop management and production.

Honey bees are essential for the pollination of flowers, fruits and vegetables, and support about $20 billion worth of crop production in the U.S. annually. Over the past 15 years, bee colonies have been disappearing in what is known as the "colony collapse disorder," according to National Geographic. Some regions have seen losses of up to 90%, the publication reported.

- Julia Jacobo ABC News

Sunflower Benefits

Gardeners like sunflowers for their vivid colors, but we aren’t alone in this admiration. Nature’s top pollinators are bees, and sunflowers’ showy outer petals draw many different species, including honeybees and bumble bees, to the high-quality nectar. The bees are quite likely to pollinate other plants during their stay. The pretty flowers also bring birds to your yard to eat the sunflower seeds. Not only do wild birds add song and movement to a garden, but they also polish off a few insects while they are there, insects that might otherwise hurt your crops.

- Liz Baessler Gardening Know How

More to help the Bees

There are many different ways you can help! Planting flowers that produce pollen is a great place to start. Most local seed and garden center provide wild flower seed packets that are easy to grow and beautiful to see.

Reducing the amount of pesticides used, if any, will decrease the chance of a honeybee or any useful insect from being harmed. 

Lastly, always support your local bee keepers and honey makers!