From: "Nadja Reubenova" <<email obscured>>
Date: Apr 15, 2015 2:36 PM
Subject: [Mpls-StanEric] Colony Collapse Disorder
To: <<email obscured>>
Cc:
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Obituary
In early November, a beloved Italian Honeybee Queen and approximately
30,000 of her daughters and sons mysteriously abandoned their
abundantly-honeyed rooftop hive in south Minneapolis near Lake Hiawatha to
rejoin the Creator. Cause of the colony collapse is unknown, but clues
point to fungicide poisoning. At least 137 cells were contaminated with
fungicide. Although they were thousands in number, the bees acted as a
unified organization of egg layer, nursemaids, guards, builders, field
workers, and studs. They left behind stunned and saddened humans who took
joy in their daily presence. The bees worked the flower gardens of south
Minneapolis in 2014 and contributed to the city’s commonwealth. They were
known for their docile nature and their unique cream soda coloring. Special
thanks to the UMN Bee Squad for their excellent care of the colony last
summer.
Dear Neighbors,
It was a hard winter for honey bees in the metro area. In addition to my
colony’s collapse in November, I learned from the UMN Bee Squad recently
that 50% of the colonies they managed died over the winter. Fifty percent.
Sound the alarm.
The exact cause of colony collapse disorder remains unknown, but evidence
is pointing to the cumulative effect of these assaults on pollinators: Lack
of quality habitat; pervasive exposure to low levels of neonicotinoids in
pollen and nectar; increasingly treatment-resistant Varroa mites; and
exposure to the plethora of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides that are
abundantly used and poisoning the outdoors.
It is easy to fall into despair about the multi-layered global
environmental crisis that is unfolding before us, pollinator mortality
being one manifestation. But there is good news here: You, actually, yes,
YOU! can make a difference for pollinators in our city by your actions this
very growing season.
Here are some ways to help our bee populations survive:
1. PURCHASE NEONICOTINOID-FREE SEEDS AND PLANTS.
In Minneapolis, your best bets for purchasing neonic-free plants and seeds
are at the co-ops, Mother Earth Gardens, and Bachman’s. You can pretty much
assume that all commercial seed packets and starter plants are treated with
neonicotinoids unless they are labeled as organic. Don’t buy seeds and
plants at places like Home Depot, Cub Foods, Menards! Please! They are
treated with neonicotinoids.
2. AVOID SPRAYING YOUR GARDEN PLANTS WITH CHEMICALS.
Can you get by without spraying? Did you know that the EPA has approved
over 80,000 chemicals since the mid-Seventies? And that it’s up to the
chemical companies to determine if chemicals are safe or not safe? And that
few, if any, chemicals have been tested in combination with other chemicals
to determine safety? We are overexposed to chemicals—and so are the bees.
Toxicity in the body (human or bee) leads to compromised immune systems.
3. PLANT PLANTS THAT POLLINATORS LOVE.
I’ve observed that bees go wild for tithonia (Mexican torchlight), Culver’s
root, hyssop, and borage. They also love squash blossoms—an excellent
source of pollen. More: Wild roses. Raspberries. Dandelions! Make sure that
what you plant is neonicotinoid free.
4. IF YOU’VE GOT BEE-PHOBIA, PLEASE WORK THROUGH IT.
Some people freak out whenever they see any bee or hear a buzzing insect.
They fear getting stung. If this describes you, I want you to know that
when bees are in the garden working the blooms, it’s as if they are at the
grocery store, shopping. They don’t want a fight. They want to make their
food selections and return home. Enjoy their peacefulness. Love the buzz.
5. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CHECK OUT THE UMN BEE LAB WEBSITE,
http://beelab.umn.edu/. And consider establishing a bee colony of your own.
And so . . . I’m going to try again with a new batch of bees this year. My
new queen and about 5,000 of her daughters will arrive on Friday. At their
peak, their numbers should climb to about 50,000 in August. They will
travel up to 5 miles foraging for nectar and pollen. Who knows? They may
visit your gardens.
I hope that my bees thrive and then survive the winter. With your help,
maybe they will. Together, we can create an environmental commonwealth for
humans and pollinators in Minneapolis. If not us, then who?
Best wishes for a most excellent and organic and healthy growing season,
Nadja
Some bee facts:
Nectar is a carbohydrate and pollen is a protein. Bees need both.
The natural life of a Queen Bee is 7 years, and worker bees in the summer,
about 4 weeks.
Hive temperature stays at 94 degrees year round!
― 1 file ―
□ bees by sandy spieler.jpg (434kb)
http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/file/am3pk7IcHhMjl6d9on3ap5nSCK2-1ORc-2vZIWLi/
Nadja Reubenova
Ericsson, Minneapolis
About/contact Nadja Reubenova:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/nadjareubenova
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