Thank you bees, for making Thanksgiving possible

Throwback post from the Berkeley Student Organization blog 2 years ago. Still relevant, as squash bees still help pollinate pumpkins!

http://nature.berkeley.edu/eso/?p=141

Scientists call on White House to take Pesticide Action

Today over 100 scientists (myself included) sent a letter to the President asking him to have his Bee Task Force protect bees by

1. establishing a moratorium on the use of neonicotinoics (like the one currently in place in the EU)

2. suspending currently approved agricultural and cosmetic uses of neonicotinoids

3. increasing research funding that looks at alternatives to pesticides that are toxic to bees.

These represent important steps in the quest to protect bees and our food supply. Other important foci include diversifying farmed areas to provide more floral and nesting resources for wild bees.

Read the full letter and summary here: http://www.panna.org/press-release/100-scientists-call-obama-bee-task-force-take-action-pesticides

Cascadia farms in Yolo County sows thousands of wildflowers for the bees

An organic farm in Yolo County (where I do my research) is working to support ailing bee populations by plantings wildflowers and spreading the message (via Upworthy) to create bee-friendly habitat. Remember not only to encourage more blooms, but to avoid pesticide use.

Check out the inspiring video!