Pollinators are the hum that keeps the harvest right on time each year. Nearly every farm includes those cheery bright boxes that are home to thousands upon thousands of honey bees, ready to visit every single flower in the field. Pollination is one of those little marvels of nature that seems to underline the mystery of it all. Creatures can be observed from any level, individual – community – ecological; and from each perspective honey bees offer a world of curiosity to explore and admire. Elaborate dances communicating geolocation, social hierarchies – sometimes mutiny, and the utter dependance of our own society on such a fuzzy and humble insect illustrates that while humans may be steering this ship, we certainly do not control the waves.

Amazingly, even after all the contributions of honey bees, they still have time to create products that each of us can enjoy! Honey, wax, pollen granules, royal jelly (food for the bee larva and the queen bee), and even propolis (a sticky substance used to seal the hive and trap invaders) offer a world of beneficial properties and unique characteristics. Not each of us will want to invest in beekeeping at this point, and that’s okay! There are so many ways to contribute to the health and well”bee”ing of pollinators in our community. Here are the top 5 ways we can support pollinator communities in North Texas.

5 WAYS TO BEE A GOOD NEIGHBOR:

  1. Avoid pesticides. Pesticides are toxic to bees and other pollinators.
  2. Plant pollinator plants such as salvia, blue mist flower, and meadow sage to provide a nectar source.
  3. Leave them bee! Honey bees don’t often sting unless they are threatened. When you see them, observe but don’t touch.
  4. Educate friends about supporting honey bees. It’s the perfect topic for a stroll through The Shed!
  5. Support local beekeepers in The Shed every Saturday and Sunday!