Help Our Pollinators

Our Pollinators are in need of help.

At Country Cottage, we have been studying honey bees and honey bee biology for several years now. We also keep several colonies of Apis mellifera (the western, European honey bee) at our farm in southeastern rural Michigan.

In recent years, the media has been covering the declining population of this magnificent creature and other native pollinators in North America.

We would like to share several sources on this topic, which are a great knowledge resource. These sources are also helpful for learning what can be done about this alarming circumstance. Helping can range from planting more bee-friendly plants to whatever necessary political steps to take to facilitate the process to protect our pollinators. Please find a list of our recommended sources below:

*We find this a great source for up-to-date information on the science side of this issue regarding pesticide use and the bee decline in recent years.

http://www.beyondpesticides.org/pollinators/index.php

 Beyond Pesticides (formerly National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., which works with allies in protecting public health and the environment to lead the transition to a world free of toxic pesticides.

 *Another great source of education we have found.

http://pollinatorstewardship.org/

The mission of the Pollinator Stewardship Council is to defend managed and native pollinators vital to a sustainable and affordable food supply from the adverse impact of pesticides.

 *This is a great article on what simple steps we can take to help protect the bees

http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/how_to_protect_bees_in_my_yard_and_garden

 *Click on your region on the map to find plant lists, etc.

http://www.xerces.org/pollinator-resource-center/

 The Pollinator Conservation Resource Center, where you can find regional information about plant lists, habitat conservation guides, and more.

 * TheUSDA site has a wealth of information on pollinators

http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/

We hope these sites give the necessary information to help educate on the importance of these small creatures and the role they play in the whole diversity of life.