We need bees to survive. Here’s how to join the hive-minded
Article
By Alyssa Shelasky
Say the word “bees!” and many people around the world will think “ouch!,” or maybe they’ll hear an imaginary buzzing sound or smack their lips at the thought of sweet, sweet honey. What they probably won’t dwell on is the need to ensure the future of these very helpful insects.
Most of us remember our last encounter with a bee. Maybe you can recall the pain of being stung or the effort you made to avoid the furry, flying insects. Today, people and corporations around the world aren’t dodging bees but are instead inviting them onto their property for compelling reasons.
More than 75% of plants on earth require the help of a pollinator, such as a bee, butterfly or bat, to reproduce. Some experts estimate that these pollinators are responsible for one in every three bites of food humans eat. Unfortunately, many pollinators, especially bees, are in decline, which is threatening food production and other critical human needs.
Since 2011, Freeport-McMoRan’s Pollinator Conservation Initiative has sought to increase the habitat for pollinators and to provide learners of all ages with opportunities to engage with topics in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Today, more than a dozen Freeport-McMoRan operations in North America have implemented pollinator conservation and education projects both on and off company property.
These programs have been recognized through the Wildlife Habitat Council’s (WHC) Conservation Certification program.
Did you know that bee extinction could end life on earth? Without pollination from bees, the world’s food production would be completely compromised and negatively impact the ecosystem, agriculture and food production for humans.
We can all work to help restore bees' habitats, whether that's buying eco-friendly products or donating to bee-preservation causes. Check out what these brands are doing to make it easier for us to help save the bees.
Article
By Jenny Krane
The bee population is in crisis right now, and it’s up to us to restore their natural habitat and encourage them to reenter our green spaces. Without bees, we wouldn’t have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, or get to pick up huge, dinner-plate-sized dahlias at the farmers market. We need their pollinating power.
Plants – and humans – need pollinators to survive. Here’s how Floridians are creating corridors for them
Blog
As students grow milkweed, sunflowers, asters, parsley and other native plants at six schools in Florida, the gardens will help more than the pollinators that depend on the plants for survival.
Without bees, butterflies and other insects, humans won’t survive either. It’s a lesson teachers hope students in Volusia County take with them for life.
“We have to keep pollinators alive or we won’t live,” said Louise Chapman, environmental/STEM resource teacher. “Having pollinator corridors in protected areas will be wonderful.”
Pipeline restoration work creates new habitat for bees, butterflies
Article
Tom Hess has worked with many companies during his 28-year career as an environmental inspector.
In many cases, Hess has experienced clients who tolerate his environmental recommendations, or do only what’s required — often with pressure.
Thus, Hess wasn’t sure what to expect when he proposed spending extra money to restore construction areas on a major natural gas pipeline project for Michigan-based Consumers Energy. He suggested using seed mix containing native grasses and wildflowers to attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators losing habitat across the country.
