Pollinator Power
By Adam and Seth Pettis
Promoting sustainable food systems is central to my identity, because not only do I find it fascinating, but because of its importance to our natural environment. Sustainable food systems not only keep harmony within the planet, but also keep us fed!
While working my way through school I took a job with a commercial beekeeper in North Dakota, and as I learned a lot about beekeeping, became concerned about chemicals commercial beekeepers used to treat pests. These chemicals require the beekeeper wear suits, gloves and ventilators during application. Without careful application, honey and wax we eat or use to make candles, beauty products or mead absorb these chemicals. When my son and I started Orion Honey, we chose natural, non-chemical methods to control pests.
We believe natural methods are key to long-term honeybee viability as pests are developing chemical resistance. Lawn and garden pesticides also pose a threat to bees. These pesticides unintentionally affect honeybees inhibiting their immune response resulting in bee death from secondary factors. Researchers are working to better understand pesticide impact on honeybees, but other Ohio bees need help, too. A threat to bees is not just that; a threat to bees is also a threat to the foods we consume that are pollinated by bees: lettuce, watermelon, sweet potatoes, grapes, and garlic, to name a few.
Bees are just one of the pollinators that need our support. Butterflies and hummingbirds are also pollinators, and we can benefit them by inviting them into our gardens. Planting native flowers in a pollinator garden gives these important animals a chance to thrive. Native flowers like goldenrod, milkweed, New England aster, or wild bergamot are great for native pollinators. Native flowers are well suited for our climate and also of great benefit to our local pollinators. Reducing or eliminating the use of chemicals on residential lawns promotes healthy pollinator populations. Pollinators overwinter in clumps of native grasses or old perennial stems, so delaying spring yard clean-up gives local pollinators a chance to emerge. Go online and visit the OSU Bee Lab page to learn how to help Ohio's pollinators. You don't have to have years of experience to make an impact in your local community. With a little preparation you could have hours of enjoyment in the upcoming summer months, and provide significant benefit to our local ecosystem.
Consider participating in Green Bexley’s Love Your Alley this spring (you don’t have to live on an alley to join!); find out more information at https://bexley.org/loveyouralley/.