World Bee Day - SAVE THE BEES!

That's the theme for this year's observation of World Bee Day. The United Nations selected May 20th because Anton Janša, a pioneer of beekeeping, was born on this day in 1734. First suggested by the country of his birthplace, Slovenia, World Bee Day is now a way for all of us to remember that we rely on bees (and other pollinators) for most of the food we eat. The theme this year is SAVE THE BEES because bees are under threat from habitat loss; modern agricultural methods; insecticides, herbicides, and other pesticides; and from simple lack of awareness and understanding of the role bees play in our world's health and beauty.

There are 3 easy steps we can all take which will make life easier for bees and other pollinators.

1. Leave as many patches of wild landscaping as possible. What we can't bear to leave wild, let's cultivate with more native flowers and pollinating plants for the bees and pollinators that live in our community - and fewer non-native, often invasive species that may crowd them out.

2. Eliminate our use of pesticides and herbicides. If it's not possible for certain circumstances, we must at least minimize our use of them. They not only harm bees, but other pollinators, birds, and small animals - and the many other animals in the food chain that depend on them. That includes us!

3. Educate yourself about bees. The fact that some may sting can frighten, but it's reassuring to know that the ones you're most likely to encounter only sting when they feel threatened. There are over 16,000 known species of bees found on all the continents except Antarctica. It's worth getting to know the ones that are found in your neighborhood, so that you can feel more comfortable around them.

Thanks to Mann, you can learn ways to do ALL of the above. We have a wonderful gardening program, a lively beekeeping community, and lots of ways to learn more in the library, too!