It was a banner bee season in my backyard this summer. Honeybees, but especially native bumblebees, teemed over my lavender and penstemon bushes. I assume the record numbers are due to our big water year. Unfortunately, the wet weather is unlikely to continue in usually bone-dry Nevada and California. This equates to increased stress on our natural environment and the species living in it, including bees. In addition, our bee population gets clobbered by diseases, parasites, limited food sources, colony collapse disorder, and pesticides.
Why should we care about these insects? Bees of all sorts are vital to our food system as, according to the USDA, they pollinate about 75 percent of fruits, nuts, and vegetables grown in the United States. One out of every four bites of food we take is courtesy of the bee pollination. It is responsible for more than $15 billion in increased crop value each year.
To honor the tiny-but-mighty bee, in this issue we look at local programs and people devoted to recognizing and saving bees and increasing their numbers. First of all, I’m extremely excited and proud that Nevada lawmakers passed AB-162, which prohibits the use of certain devastating pesticides in non-agricultural settings such as home gardens, lawns, and golf courses. It’s a huge step in the right direction.
In other news, Bee City USA recognized the City of Reno as a Bee City, for its devotion to conserving native pollinators. Reno followed in the footsteps of Carson City, which also was designated a Bee City. Nevada teens participated in the 4-H Pollinator Habitat Program this year, receiving hands-on experience in preserving bees and other pollinators. Then there is Lorraine Fitzhugh, who runs VitalBeeBuds on her Gardnerville property. She sells hearty, pollinator-attracting plants found throughout the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada and educates the public on their importance.
Also along the lines of food production, we present a story on Reno-Tahoe farmers’ challenges and triumphs. You’ll surely get frustrated when you read about the many obstacles farmers face just to get started. But you’ll be heartened by their fortitude and dedication to making it work. Next, fall is for foraging and preserving foods, so you’ll find features on those topics. Discover all of this and much more in this edition. We hope you enjoy it!
In the meantime, follow us on our social media platforms and sign up for our e-newsletter to stay up to date on our ever-changing local food-and-drink scene.
Cheers!
Amanda
About the Cover
Ray Hopper, founder of Help Save the Bees Foundation who spearheaded Reno’s designation as Biggest Little Bee City, holds a leaf cutter bee at an event at Bowers Mansion this summer. Photo by Lou Manna
