Pollinators, assure healthy green spaces

 Across the nation, beekeepers have experienced significant hive loss; and in fact, the state of Maryland identified for year 2016 a 61% loss.

 

As the 5^th generation caretaker for family property, I too have witness ongoing decline in bee populations. Why, during my childhood, we were fortunate to have the benefit of a nearby beekeeper’s hives. In fact, it was not unusual to see these visitors or listen to their hum. Unfortunately, after the passing of my community’s former beekeeper, his hives first naturalized in nearby woodland then overtime, declined. So, when I was approached by a local beekeeper - Ed Mekalian of Hunny Bee Good Raw Local Honey and Bee Products – to host hives, without hesitation my response was yes.

Installation of these hives has been – similar to nation-wide experiences - a bumpy ride. Because my hives reside in green and cedar color boxes, I refer to them as the ‘green’ or ‘cedar’ hive. Initially both hives were acquired from a Culpepper VA beekeeper and consisted of Italian bees. But, immediately the ‘green’ hive acted adversarial toward their queen; and in fact, within a week ‘kick her to the curb’, picked her up and dropped her outside of the bee box. Reacting, to this situation, Ed acquired a second queen. He chose a Russian bee which when cross with the Italian bee workers will produce a hive more well-known for their pollination than honey production.

For a few weeks, everything appeared to settle down; then, the population of workers began to decline. So, as a last ditch effort, Ed introduced a swam of worker bees to the hive. As a result, the ‘green’ hive consisted of original worker bees, a new queen and newly introduced worker bees. And, for the first time, the ‘green’ hive appear to be settling in to becoming a productive hive.

Amazingly, the ‘cedar’ hive immediately thrived and was placed on so to speak ‘auto pilot’. Why, the difference? As Ed says, as the grandson of a beekeeper, “at one time, you simply established a hive and they thrive; but presently, it can be a rocky road.”
 

 

Researchers have identified what is referred to as the four (4) Ps: predators, parasites, pesticides and pasture.

Specific to predators, the hives are placed on a bench a little more than two feet above ground. Why? Skunks are notorious for destruction of hives. While you would think their goal is honey, of interest is the fact, a skunk’s preference is the bee, itself. Nevertheless, after considering the impact of a skunk attack, one box experienced a slight shift which was thought to be the result of curious raccoons. So, p both boxes were strap down on a bench which is more than two feet above ground.

 

Invasion by parasites is believed to be the result of failed hive conditions. Virginia beekeepers have suffered serious colony losses due to the introduction of parasitic mites. So, a VA Tech Apiculture Program was designed to improve the pest management practices utilized by beekeepers through the development of research and extension programs. The program also involves development of queen breeding programs within the state, and the initiation of programs to improve and promote the use of honey bees for pollination.

Use of pesticides is and remains a key factor in the decline of bee population. In fact, a present-day concern is the use of a pesticide, imidacloprid, part of a class of pesticides called neonicotinoids, which are widely used to kill pests on crops, as well as on lawns and to control ticks, fleas and lice on pets. In agriculture, seeds are often treated with imidacloprid before planting as a preventative measure against pests. As a gardener and/or homeowner, when purchasing plants or seeds, be sure to check labels for use of imidacloprid. Why? A visiting pollinator – bee, butterfly or humming bird – can be poison by pollen produced by such treated pants or seeds.

As urban/suburban sprawls and interest in the preservation of green space declines, so does the ‘pasture’ for the bee population. Between acres of herbicide treated crops, asphalt parking lots, and weed free lawns, pollinator foods simply do not flourish. To flourish, a bee hive requires acres of plant diversity including what we perceive to be weeds. In fact, given enough pasture, a hive will sustain year-around. So, introduction of hives to Hoehns Lakeview Farms was an ideal location.

 

The properties consist of a mix of agri, woodland, wetland and home landscapes. Nevertheless, property pasture cannot be treated with pesticides or herbicides.

As a naturalist who has identified plant diversity thrives on organic fertilizers and limited pest treatment, a question was ‘would my present-day plant health ritual work in relation to the bees?’ For, annually, during plant dormant season, trees, shrubs and perennials are treated with a mixture of liquid copper and oil base fruit tree spray. Liquid copper is identified to prevent fungus and bacterial issues and oil base, nested over plant pests. Through joint research, Ed and I determined my ritual should have limited impact because the bees are also dormant; and if they are slightly active, we will simply ‘close the houses’ for a few days to assure they are not affected.

 

Why should you or I be concerned about the decline of bee populations? Honey bees play a crucial role in for example the state of Virginia's agriculture production. So, there are programs such as the Apiculture Program which are designed to help beekeepers improve the management of their colonies.  In Virginia, the approximate rate of hive loss is more than 30 percent per year, and continued losses are expected to drive up the cost for important crops that bees make possible, such as apples, melon and squash. If you have a property that will host a bee hive, contact your local bee association. They will similar to Ed work with you to establish hives for the benefit of your overall community. And, whether you are ‘hands on’ or dependent on commercial care for green spaces, read labels, ask questions – assure earth healthy pasture - green spaces - for your community pollinators health and well-being.

Sidebar: Ed Mekalian Hunny Bee Good Raw Local Honey and Bee Products SwarmChaser@hunnybeegood.com (757) 77-HUNNY www.hunnybeegood.com  

About the Wright Scoop - Wright has blog for Build Green TV and provided speeches and workshops for national and international conferences such as the All Cities Congressional City Conference held in DC and PLANET’s Green Industry Conference held at Louisville, Kentucky. To view details of her activities, visit web site www.TheWrightScoop.com  or follow Wright’s activities through Facebook group The Wright Scoop or twitter ID WrightScoop.