Summer weather gets us outside, planning adventures and enjoying nature. Whether it’s a patch of California poppies we see around the corner, picnics on the beach, or the nearly thousand different tree species the Bay Area is home to, we have the bees to thank. The bees of the Bay Area are some of our hardest workers, keeping our yards green and our flowers smiling.
In 2017 a pest epidemic threatened to destroy almost half of California’s two hundred thousand colonies. While the epidemic was taken care of by farmers and beekeepers, the numbers have been struggling to return to their usual numbers. Since the pandemic, thousands of Bay Area residents have begun adopting and saving these struggling bee colonies in their backyards. For most people, it started as a hobby to pass the time in lockdown, but now beekeepers and clubs have surged in numbers. Today these clubs are still active and continue to grow, most notably the San Francisco Beekeepers Association and The Alameda County Beekeepers Association.
You, too, could help save our bees and the flowers by learning and adopting a bee colony. Almost a dozen organizations across the Bay Area have year-round classes and free sessions training the next round of beekeepers. While raising bees in your backyard might not be for you, local colonies can always use your time and support.
On your next adventure, you might be greeted by a bee also enjoying this beautiful change in weather. Bees might try to tell you hello; remember that they do not want to sting you and politely wave them away or walk away to tell them, “I am not a flower.” Wearing bright colors can sometimes confuse bees trying to pollinate the brightly colored flowers we enjoy. If you are trying to avoid the bees, try wearing darker colors so the bees do not try to pollinate your jacket.
Give thanks to our hard-working gardeners, and remember to be polite if you do not wish to greet them and gently wave them away. We hope you continue enjoying the summer weather, the flowers, and our beautiful home blooming.
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