Itasca Park Programs and Events
Date and Time
Friday Sep 29, 2017
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM CDT
September 30, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Location
Meet at the Jacob V Brower Center
Fees/Admission
Park Pass
Description
Itasca’s Presenters under the Pines: Status of Bee Health— Untying a Messy Knot
Join University of Minnesota researcher, Dr. Marla Spivak as she shares the status of bee health. Over the past decade, there has been a tragic breakdown in honey bee health. Frequently referred to as colony collapse disorder, this erosion of honey bee health has taken place on an enormous scale, affecting most of North America and parts of Europe. In addition, many native bees are in decline. The Rusty Patch bumble bee, once common in Minnesota, was just put on the endangered species list.
How can we help bees? The simple solution of planting flowers, and keeping these flowers free of pesticide contamination, is rooted in solid research. When bees have access to better and more complete floral nutrition, they exhibit improved immune system function and behavioral defenses for fighting off effects of pathogens and pesticides. Come learn about honey bees’ social health care system.