Bees have been a worry to me all summer. They haven’t been feeding on the plants that are usually loaded with bees. Wild geranium, Culver’s Root, chives and a flowering maple they usually are passionate about have been lacking bees.
In August with the blooming hyssop, cone flowers and golden rod the bees are here, but not in the typical numbers for this time of year.
We must do better to make sure our yards have flowers pollinators love and avoid all chemicals. It frightens me that some of the plants we purchase are still laden with heavy chemicals and neonicotinoids. I wonder how all these chemicals are going to affect human health? How is neonicotinoid farm run-off going to affect aquatic life?
A study below by the US Geological Survey finds neonicotinoids in our water ways. Here is the link: http://m.ktvz.com/news/Insecticide-found-in-half-of-sampled-U-S-streams/34779418
MINNEAPOLIS TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT POLLINATORS AS A POLLINATOR-FRIENDLY CITY
The City of Minneapolis urges all Minneapolis property owners, residents, businesses, institutions and neighborhoods to become more pollinator friendly by adopting practices including:
- Committing to not use pesticides, including insecticides that stay in the plant, on their properties.
- Avoiding planting flowering plants that are treated with insecticides that stay in the plant.
- Discontinuing the sale of pesticides and plants that are treated with insecticides that stay in the plant.
- Planting more pollinator forage on their property and using organic or chemical-free lawn and landscaping practices.
Here is the link: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/news/WCMS1P-147750 Unfortunately, Minnesota has ridiculous preemption laws, and a city can’t make rules stronger than existing state legislation
Morning Earth Healing Images 8.28.2015