It's World Bee Day

Bees, and other pollinators, are vital to the production of crops such as fruits, nuts, and many vegetables. Yet, they are under threat due to pesticide use and a decrease in natural habitat.

The United Nations has designated May 20 as World Bee Day to increase awareness of the contributions that bees make to our lives, and to inform us of the actions that we can take to ensure their survival.

First, use pesticides sparingly. Avoid spraying the flowers that bees need to access in their search for nectar.

Second, add flowering plants to your landscape. Vary their size and type. Bees are attracted to alyssum, zinnias, sunflowers, salvia, and foxglove, among others. Herbs such as sage, thyme, lavender, basil, and rosemary will entice them to stop and drink.

Third, create a bit of habitat of them. New York has over 450 native bee species. Many of them are solitary--they do not live in hives. Instead, they nest in dead wood and soil. Since having piles of dead wood and vegetation in our landscapes is not ideal, an alternative is to add fences made of twigs and arbors made of natural, untreated wood. Also provide a source of water for them.

If we make a concerted effort to protect and nurture our bees, they will continue to protect and nurture us by pollinating our crops and by providing us with honey.