Get ready to be dazzled by the incredible world of honey bees
– the pollinator pros! In the good ol' USA, these tiny powerhouses zip around, pollinating crops and medicines, taking care of wildlife, and even flexing their muscles to prevent soil from making a run for it. Seriously, they're like the ultimate multitaskers of the ecosystem, showing up for every job interview Mother Nature has to offer. And don't just take my word for it – the big shots at the United States Department of Agriculture are basically waving a flag that reads, "Warning: Humans Cannot Survive Without Honeybees!"
Now, shifting our attention to the land of bumble bees – in Missouri to be exact. Brace yourself for a whopping 450+ bumble bee species that call the Show-Me State home, According to the Missouri Conservation Department.
Hold onto your gardening gloves because here's a quirky factoid: if you're nurturing squash, guess who needs a front-row seat? Yep, you got it – squash bees! They're the real MVPs of the squash world, ensuring your veggies reach their full potential.
Image: https://www.facebook.com/PeponapisProject/
Amidst these marvels, a pressing concern emerges—the decline of bee populations. By engaging in eco-friendly practices such as planting native flora, reducing mowing frequency, and practicing minimal mulching, individuals can actively contribute to preserving these essential pollinators. Bees' nesting requirements are also crucial; providing exposed soil is akin to offering them a sanctuary to establish their nests.
Lana Bayslinger, the dedicated Horticulturist from the City of Ozark, has been granted support from the Missouri Conservation Department to establish a pollinator garden within the city limits. This endeavor, set to culminate in the coming fall, will yield a captivating pollinator haven for the community, serving as a testament to the harmonious coexistence between humans and the indispensable world of pollinators.
Bee Fun Facts:
- A honey bee can fly up to 15 miles per hour.
- A honey bee worker only makes an average of 1/12 of a teaspoon in her lifetime.
- An average hive has 50,000 to 60,000 worker bees.
- Honey is an antimicrobial agent and can be used effectively on minor burns or scrapes. It has been shown to speed the healing of wounds.
Find more fun bee facts here LINK