Star in Your Own "Bee Movie"

The newest animated movie for (adults and) children focuses on social and biological dramas of the insect world. “The Bee Movie” graphically and comically portrays the many dangers and frustrations honey bees must endure and shows what sacrifices are required to put honey on the grocer’s shelf. Hollywood movies aside, the dangers and perils that native bees and our environment face from the decline of valuable pollinators are very real problems.

In our real-world scenario, the plot is more complex than insect romances and honey heists. The “Colony Collapse Disorder” (CCD) has caused massive losses and declines in honey bee populations. Our native bees have also seen serious population declines. At least 185 species of pollinators are considered threatened or extinct. Land use changes and human activities have destroyed and fragmented many native pollinator habitats by reducing food sources and needed protection. In addition, excessive or improper pesticide use has upset the delicate balance nature needs to function properly. Congress declared June 24-30, 2007, “National Pollinator Week” to bring the issue and its importance to private landowners nationwide.

Why should we be concerned? We need pollinators. Many plants are pollinated by billions of animals/insects every year. Pollinators are not just honey bees or native bumble bees. Don’t forget butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, bats, and hummingbirds. There’s a whole small-scaled Discovery Channel world out there that revolves around the extensive and critical job of crop pollination—a $3 billion annual business. It is something we often take for granted.

Many times we make decisions or take actions that spell disaster or certain death for an entire cast of critical characters out in the fields or in the microscopic jungle that makes up your backyard. If Congress is taking notice of it, then we all should do the same.

As owners and stewards of the land, it is our responsibility to manage our natural resources in a manner that allows us to achieve our production goals while protecting the rich and diverse qualities and properties of this fertile nation. By protecting pollinators, we protect our ability to grow food. If you enjoy eating walnuts, almonds, cherries, peaches, oranges, watermelon, pumpkins, and tomatoes, then you should be interested in pollinators.

Whether you are a large commodity producer or a small and diverse organic farmer or even a suburban homeowner, you can play a role in saving the storyline of your own “Bee Movie” right here in Kansas.

1. Plant appropriate vegetation. Use practices and create habitat that sustains or enhances pollinators on the farm and in the yard over the whole growing season.
2. Use pesticides carefully on and off the farm. Keep your operation one that is pollinator-friendly.
3. Protect flowering plants and potential pollinator nest sites--areas of undisturbed ground and native vegetation.
4. Avoid importation of non-native bees that could become invasive species.

Do your part to help solve the insect drama that is taking place here in Kansas at this very moment. By taking action to diversify and beautify your property, YOU could be the hero who saves the day and ensures a happy ending for everyone.

For more information on pollinators and what you can do, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov.

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Star in Your Own "Bee Movie" (52 KB)

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Last Modified: 12/18/2007