November 30 Meeting Recap
Ann Heck, Bee Squad
Fred Meyer, Host
Fred Meyer hosted our program spotlighting the work of the University of Minnesota Bee Squad. Ann is a member of the Bee Squad, the public outreach arm of the U's efforts. Ann updated us on the colony collapse crisis stemming from mites and viruses. Collapse, which is reducing the number of pollinators, threatens native and farmed plantings. The Bee Squad was formed to enable the U to engage the public in learning about bees, their vital habitat, and threats to their wellbeing. They provide education to individuals considering their own home apiary and mentoring to beekeepers, including hands-on learning for new beekeepers in an on campus apiary. Other programs include Bee Exchange Programs to strengthen our bee populations, a Hive to Bottle Program, establishing high school Pollinator Ambassadors, Veterans and Artist programs, outreach to additional cities across the country, and even a Bee Cruise.
To support pollinators, we should all consider adding bee-friendly flowers and native plantings to our landscaping and reducing or eliminating quantities of insecticides and pesticides. She recommended we closely read the labels on garden products to learn how to minimize impact on wildlife. Anyone interested in home beekeeping should find a class to learn best practices, available through the U and other community providers (including Otten Bros). Thank you Fred and Ann!