In 2017, the rusty patched bumblebee became the first bee species in the United States to be placed on the endangered species list. The bee is one of about 4,000 native bee species in the United States, and like the others, is at-risk due to factors such as loss of habitat, and use of neonicotinoids, […]
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Category: bees
Stirring up a hornet’s nest: what to do
Dawn Lively had a conundrum. Some type of buzzing, stinging insects had moved into a clothesline pipe near an area of the yard that she and her husband often used. Homeowners might attack any type of stinging insect with the deadliest force possible, but Dawn was looking for a more natural approach, especially if the […]
Beauty of weeds in the eye of the “bee”h
Overnight, my yard has exploded into a sea of yellow. Rather than go through my usual, futile, efforts to eradicate the dandelions this year, though, I’m turning them over to the bees. Dandelions are among the early plants that provide pollen and nectar for bees when they emerge in the spring. Increasingly, more people are […]
Learn how to help pollinators in free se...
Linn County Master Gardeners are continuing their theme of the “Year of the Pollinator” with three sessions this April in the Creative Gardening Series at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. The year began with an event at Kirkwood Community College, featuring Chip Taylor, founder and director of Monarch Watch and professor of ecology and evolutionary […]
Iowa abuzz with beekeeping
CEDAR RAPIDS – You can’t yet (legally) keep a bee hive in your backyard in Cedar Rapids, but you can take a class to learn how to be a beekeeper. Iowa has seen an uptick in beekeeping classes that are offered throughout the state, with a record 27 courses that will be held in the […]
Indian Creek Nature Center scales up Hon...
CEDAR RAPIDS – The Indian Creek Nature Center’s Honey Fest is changing to a Saturday this year and has additional features for this annual event. Check out photos from last year’s Honey Fest here, and read on for more from the Indian Creek Nature Center about this year’s event, coming Saturday, Sept. 19:
Backyard beekeeping bee-ing considered i...
By Cindy Hadish/Homegrown Iowan CEDAR RAPIDS – A new buzz at City Hall could prove sweet for bee lovers. On Wednesday, the Cedar Rapids Development Committee gave wing to what could lead to an ordinance allowing beekeeping in city limits. Council members Monica Vernon and Susie Weinacht, with Pat Shey absent, both noted their approval […]