Nick first started off with explaining the decline of pollinators in California. There has been a 40% decline of insects in the last 30 years. This includes the monarch butterflies that have been a beautiful view to see in California as they migrate. Beetles have been taking over eucalyptus trees where the monarchs thrive, when the beetle-infested trees are taken out new trees are planted but they are too short which does not allow the monarch butterflies to thrive since higher trees protect them from predators.

 

He also explained that there are 1500 different types of bees in the area. The number is declining however. Colony Collapse Disorder has been a harsh reality for Nick and other beekeepers in the area. 10 years ago, there was a 50% decrease of bees. This was in response to weather conditions and the fact that almond trees, which is where most of the bees are in central California, only need two weeks to pollinate which does not give them enough nutrients for the whole year. But with the help of beekeepers and scientists, since 2008 the loss has decreased to 40%.

 

Nick works with local schools and local news to inform the public of this decline and hopes to show how vital bees are for agriculture and our lives. He also educates local gardeners to ensure they use fertilizer and pesticides correctly to ensure they are not hurting the bees or other innocent insects involved. At schools, Nick builds glass windows with bees behind them where the children can see the production of honey and become more informed on how bees help the environment. The Beekeepers Guild of Santa Barbara also works to inform the public of how important bees are and even help those who wants to become beekeepers themselves. After all, who doesn’t like free honey!

 

Overall, bees and other insects are declining, slowly but surely, it is up to us to inform others and make changes to the way we garden and treat these insects.