Bees are intelligent, compassionate creatures responsible for 90% of the world’s food. They contribute to sustainable farming, biodiversity, environmental protection, and more. Listen in to learn about the wonderful world of bees and how you can nurture the literal busy bees of Mother Nature.
How do bumblebees decide which flowers to visit? They weigh colors, shapes, and patterns—but not all at once. In this episode, Dr. Anna Stöckl shares surprising research revealing that bumblebees are strategic learners who constantly trade off the cost of learning new information against the payoff of making accurate choices. Discover how these tiny insects switch strategies based on what's easy to learn, and what a psychological phenomenon called "blocking" tells us about their intelligence.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Cities may look sealed and sterile, but Berlin’s sidewalks tell a different story. Dr. Sophie Lokatis reveals how pavement cracks host thriving communities of ground‑nesting bees—and why floral quality, not green space, shapes their success. A surprising look at the hidden biodiversity beneath our feet.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
What if one of the most important numbers in nature has been wrong this whole time? Dr. James Dorey joins us to unpack his team’s groundbreaking global estimate of bee diversity — and why thousands of species may still be missing from the map. We explore surprising hotspots, the bottleneck in documenting biodiversity, and how unnamed species shape conservation, agriculture, and ecosystem resilience.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
A common household mosquito repellent may be silently harming the bees in your garden. Dr. Kimmo Kaakinen shares his study on how volatilized prallethrin—used in household vaporizers and portable mosquito repellers—impairs bumblebees' ability to navigate home. We learn why a 20-minute exposure can reduce homing success from 37% to just 5% and what this means for colony survival. Learn how understanding these threats gives us real power to make a difference for wild bees.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
What happens if the essential work of Europe’s wild pollinators suddenly disappears? Dr. Arndt Feuerbacher joins us to share insights from his study on how wild bees underpin Europe’s agricultural stability and what their decline could mean for food security around the world. We dig into what needs to change, why managed bees can’t fill the gap, and how local actions can add up to real impact.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
This World Bee Day, discover the gentle ground‑nesting bees powering our ecosystems. Dr. Jordan Kueneman explains how the GNBee project uses community science to map their nests and how you can get involved.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
As cities grow, wild bees are finding surprising ways to cope with urban life. In this episode, Dr. Min Tang joins us to explore how a bee’s gut microbiome can reveal what’s really happening in our city environments, from floral diversity to pollution and hidden pathogens.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
How can creativity, collaboration, and ecological know‑how turn even the most unlikely landscapes into thriving habitats for pollinators and people? We visit Indian Lake, New York, where a capped landfill is being transformed into a vibrant pollinator meadow. Kristina Hartzell and Kailey Maher from ADKAction share how this innovative project began, what they’re learning from early test plots, and why native plants are key to restoring biodiversity on disturbed land. We also explore the role of community partners—from local schools to volunteers—in bringing this once‑forgotten space back to life.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
We head to the quiet Mediterranean island of Giannutri, where researchers ran a rare experiment to understand how managed honey bee colonies affect wild bees. By temporarily closing the island’s honey bee hives, they watched nectar and pollen levels rebound almost immediately—giving wild bees the chance to take the lead in the pollination network. Dr. Lorenzo Pasquali shares the story from Giannutri which raises important questions about how we manage honey bees in sensitive landscapes if we want both wild and managed pollinators to thrive.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Small steps can reshape entire landscapes. In this episode, we feature RePollinate, a Scottish charity mobilizing communities and businesses to safeguard the UK’s pollinators. Nick Trull walks us through the charity’s hands‑on projects that breathe new life into underused spaces and help biodiversity flourish.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Think pesticide assessments protect wild bees? Think again. Dr. Sabrina Rondeau uncovers how soil pesticide exposure threatens ground‑nesting bees; risks overlooked by current regulations that focus only on honey bees. Her research reveals why we need stronger frameworks that reflect real‑world conditions to safeguard pollinators and protect biodiversity.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Today’s episode takes us to the Brazilian savanna — for a bit of capybara spotting, but for a surprising discovery along the roadside. Dr. Monize Altomare’s recent study shows that even narrow strips of vegetation beside highways can support rich pollination systems and help major crops like coffee and soybeans thrive. If you’ve ever wondered how small spaces can make a big ecological impact, this one’s for you.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
What does your daily AI query have to do with bees? We explore the hidden connections between digital growth and ecological resilience with Dr. Rob Nicholls. His research found fractional warming from AI‑driven data centers translates into real risks for pollinators—from stingless bee colony collapse to carpenter bee habitat loss. Listen to learn how your digital footprint impacts the natural world.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Season 4 of The Bee’s Knees buzzes in this February with a new call to action: Bee a Hero. This season dives into the surprising ways native bees connect to our lives—from the hidden impacts of technology and pesticides to the hopeful stories of restoration and resilience. We bring together scientists, conservationists, and everyday advocates to share discoveries that spark change and inspire care. Listen in and discover how small actions can make a big difference for pollinators everywhere.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
In this episode, we’re exploring a fresh approach to bee research. Gwen Kirschke is combining remote sensing technology with ecological research to map floral resources across large landscapes. Supported by a NASA space grant, Gwen's research aims to predict where bees nest and forage by mapping the flowers they rely on, offering crucial insights into resource distribution and its impact on bee populations.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Can having too many honeybee hives in our landscapes be detrimental? Dr. Ainhoa Magrach led a comprehensive review that brings fresh clarity to a long-standing question—how does the number of honeybee hives in a landscape affect wild pollinators, plant reproduction, and ecosystem health? We explore how the overuse of managed honeybees can sometimes undermine biodiversity and agricultural productivity and discuss sustainable practices that can make a difference.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Are we planting the right flowers for bees? We’re talking about the surprising dietary habits of wild bumble bees with Dr. Justin Bain who shares fascinating insights into how bumble bees choose their food and why it's essential for their survival. With climate change altering their natural habitats, understanding bee nutrition could be key to effective conservation efforts.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
What does it mean to live with wild bees in an urban setting? Today we speak with Matthew Donahue who shares insights on how cities can be adapted to support bee populations. We discuss the differences between urban and wild habitats, the impact of bee stings, and actionable steps for creating bee-friendly environments in urban settings. Learn about the differences between bees and wasps, and discover how to coexist with and support these vital pollinators in your own neighborhood.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Why do some gardens buzz with life while others fall silent? In this episode, Dr. Laura Russo shares surprising findings from her research on floral diversity and bee populations. From urban parks to cattle fields, her team discovered that pollinator success isn’t about location—it’s all about the flowers. Listen in to learn what makes a garden irresistible to bees, and why your landscaping choices matter more than you think.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
What happens when bees don't eat their greens? We explore Dr. Etya Amsalem's intriguing research on bee dietary patterns and their implications for fitness and sustainability. Find out why even bees sometimes opt for sweets over sustenance and how this insight can shape future conservation efforts.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
How can we enhance biodiversity in our cities and what is the vital role of urban green spaces in supporting pollinators? We’re exploring the relationship between urban sprawl and native bees with researcher Leonardo Lorenzato. Discover how urban landscapes can support bee populations through a patchwork of parks, gardens, and green spaces. We discuss the importance of resource availability, nesting opportunities, and how diverse plant species and well-connected green areas can make urban environments more bee-friendly.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
In this episode of ‘The Bees Knees', Shishir Paudel joins to discuss the implications of managing urban greenery as manicured lawns versus letting them flourish as diverse meadows. We cover biodiversity, ecosystem services and disservices, and public perception of urban meadows. Can we increase pollinator populations by understanding and implementing meadow-like landscapes in urban settings?
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
We speak with Leigh Biagi, a dedicated environmental advocate and founder of On the Verge. Discover how Leigh transformed her passion for change into a community-focused bee conservation project, learn about the challenges and successes of her journey, and gain practical insights for supporting native bees in your area.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Delve into the critical issue of toxic metals in urban nectar with Dr. Sarah Scott. The conversation reveals how contaminated pollen and nectar pose significant risks to bees, affecting their health and productivity. Dr. Scott shares insights from her research in Cleveland's post-industrial landscapes, highlighting unexpected sources of pollution and offering practical advice for supporting pollinators without compromising their environment.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Native bees are essential for biodiversity but face significant threats. In this episode, Dr. Josée Rousseau discusses her research, which uses bird data to predict wild bee richness. Learn about the data sources used, why birds are excellent indicators of bee populations, and how combined data can improve bee conservation strategies. Discover the challenges of tracking wild bee data and the joys of going bee-ing.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Are sand mines hidden gems for bee conservation? Dr. Nicola Seitz shares the surprising role of reclaimed sand mines as vital habitats for wild bee populations. Despite their industrial origins, these landscapes host a diverse array of bee species, offering promising avenues for bee conservation. We explore the dynamics between sand mines and roadside meadows, uncovering how unconventional habitats can significantly support biodiversity efforts.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Discover how abandoned quarries can become thriving bee habitats! Dr. Felix Kirsch unveils the surprising role these landscapes play in bee conservation. By fostering natural habitats within these sites and ensuring strategic connectivity with grasslands, Dr. Kirsch shares the hidden potential of limestone quarries as biodiversity champions.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Uncover the hidden heroes of pollination—wild and native bees—and their crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance and food security. Dr. Natalie Lemanski shares fascinating research on seasonal shifts in bee communities and their impact on long-term ecosystem function. Learn how fostering bee diversity can stabilize crop production and buffer against environmental changes. Plus, find out how you can contribute by planting native species that bloom at different times to sustain bee populations and promote biodiversity.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
In this episode of The Bee’s Knees, we’re buzzing about two global celebrations: World Bee Day and the International Day for Biodiversity. Discover the vital role of wild and native bees in preserving ecosystems, maintaining biodiversity, and supporting global food security. Learn simple, actionable steps to help protect these crucial pollinators and create harmony with nature.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
We’re exploring the fascinating world of flower foraging by bees with Dr. Jaya Mokkapati. How do different bee species decide between the quantity of flowers and the nutritional quality of pollen? What drives these choices, and what can they teach us about supporting pollinators? Join us to uncover actionable insights that can inspire conservation efforts and transform gardening and farming practices to better sustain our vital pollinators.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Dive into the world of solitary leafcutter bees and discover how a seemingly undesirable mold could actually be their unlikely ally. Dr. Victoria Luizzi shares their fascinating research on Aspergillus mold, which might offer protective benefits to these essential pollinators. We talk about the leafcutter’s unique nesting habits, the symbiotic relationships between flora and fauna, and how a garden's bare patch can make a significant difference in supporting native bees.
*The term “foulbrood” was used mistakenly, when our guest intended to refer to “stonebrood.”
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
In today's complex ecosystem, native bees play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity through their vital pollination efforts. However, their populations are under threat from various stressors such as climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use. In this episode, we explore these challenges and the actionable steps we can take to support these invaluable pollinators with Dr. Johanne Brunet.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
In this inspiring episode, we're joined by Caroline Wagar from Environment America to explore simple, impactful steps each of us can take to support native bees. From creating vibrant urban gardens to pioneering legislative efforts, discover how small actions can have a big impact on pollinator-friendly environments. Get ready to be energized by creative ideas that engage communities in the mission to preserve bee habitats and foster biodiversity. Tune in now to learn how you can be a part of this vital movement and make a difference for the bees!
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
In this episode of The Bee's Knees, we take a virtual journey to Mexico to explore the world of the melipona, a stingless honey bee essential for pollinating the Yucatan rainforest. Join us as Rebecca Robertson, founding director of the Mayan Melipona Bee Sanctuary, shares her captivating story of conservation, culture, and community.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Ever wondered how bees choose their favorite flowers? Today we’re talking with Dr. Claire Hemingway who reveals fascinating insights into pollinator cognition and how bees' decisions impact biodiversity.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
What can be done about the alarming decline in pollinator populations? Today, we’re talking about the PollinAction Project’s impactful initiatives with researcher Leonardo Lorenzato. Discover how creating green infrastructures, promoting economic sustainability, and raising awareness are crucial for supporting native bees, and get actionable advice on how you can make a difference in your own environment.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Welcome to Season 3 of The Bee’s Knees! We’ll be talking to bee enthusiasts from around the globe, learning about the latest research and everyday opportunities to support and protect our native bees. Tune in for inspiring stories and actionable tips to help support our vital pollinators. The new season starts February 4.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Today’s conversation explores how extreme temperatures disrupt the chemical communication between plants and bumblebees, specifically their ability to detect floral scents. Dr. Sabine Nooten explains her study findings on the impact of heat on worker and male bumblebees and the broader implications for ecosystem services and biodiversity.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
In our bustling urban environments, the complex dance of pollination continues, often unnoticed. This week's discussion dives into the intricacies of urban pollination ecology with Dr. Elsa Youngstead, exploring how plants and pollinators interact within city landscapes. From battling air pollution to navigating cityscapes, bees are at the forefront of maintaining biodiversity. Join us as we uncover the dynamic ways in which cities alter plant-pollinator signaling and the innovative research that is paving the way for a sustainable future in urban conservation.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Imagine sleeping for a couple of months, waking up and realizing you’ve got to build a house, get a job, raise some kids, and feed them. Bumblebee queens go through this every spring and it’s really a critical time for their survival. Today, we’re speaking with Dr. Matthias Becher who shares his research on the seasonal needs of bumblebee colonies, particularly focusing on the critical early spring “hungry gap.”
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
How do native bees survive winter's chill? Discover how you can keep them warm and cozy this winter through simple actions like leaving autumn leaves undisturbed and holding off on your garden cleanup. We’ll also share the importance of perhaps unsightly things like bare soil and dead wood. Listen in to create your own cold-weather refuge for native bees.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
In this episode of The Bee's Knees, we discuss the threats facing wild and native bees with Dr. Yi Zhou, an ecologist and entomologist. The discussion focuses on a study in South China's rice fields that revealed habitat loss as a more significant threat to pollinator diversity than pesticides. Dr. Zhou highlights the importance of conserving semi-natural habitats within agricultural landscapes to support bee populations.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
In this episode, we dive into Dr. Lindsie McCabe's enlightening study on how changing temperatures impact the survival rates of cavity-nesting bees. Conducting a transplant experiment over three years, Dr. McCabe and her team uncovered how elevation and temperature fluctuations influence bee emergence. Discover why generalist bees are more adaptable to elevation changes compared to specialist bees, and what this means for bee conservation efforts in the face of climate change. Don't miss this important conversation on the overlooked aspects of bee life stages and their implications for biodiversity.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
In this episode of The Bee's Knees, we blend technology, science, and the natural world. Join us as we explore an innovative tool revolutionizing bee conservation – BeeMachine. This cutting-edge app utilizes artificial intelligence to help identify and document various bee species, making it easier for scientists and enthusiasts alike. The app’s founder, Brian Spiesman, shares insights into the app’s development and its significant impact on bee conservation efforts.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.
Let’s explore the world of the Nordic honeybee, or Apis mellifera mellifera, a subspecies that once flourished across Southern Scandinavia, Central, and Western Europe. Today, in Sweden, a mere 1,000 of the 160,000 hives still house these native bees, highlighting a pressing need for conservation efforts. Mats Niklasson brings his unique background in forest history and ecological restoration to the conversation, offering an insightful perspective on the Nordic honeybee, and the importance of biodiversity, conservation, and the intricate balance of our ecosystems.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
We’re exploring the challenges faced by native bees due to rising temperatures and drier conditions. Dr. Melanie Kazenel discusses her research using a 16-year dataset from New Mexico's drylands, revealing that while some bee species show resilience, about half face potential declines. The conversation touches on bee physiology, the importance of bee size in pollination, and the broader implications of these changes for biodiversity and conservation.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
What are the indirect effects of honey bee introductions on native bee populations and plant pollination patterns? Dr. Maureen Page joins us to share the unique roles that native bees play in our ecosystems, highlighting their differences from their honey-producing cousins and how these distinctions are vital for the health of our planet. The common camas herb, a key focus of the study, will serve as a prime example of how native bees outperform honey bees in pollination effectiveness, thanks to their unique traits and behaviors.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
How important are rare and declining bee species for pollinating various wildflowers and crops? We’re talking about that in this episode with Dr. Mark Genung who introduces us to ecosystem function theory and the broader implications for biodiversity when we lose species in a community. Our conversation covers significant findings from his recent study, the importance of maintaining biodiversity, and practical steps for conservation efforts.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
From the temperate regions of Tasmania to the tropical landscapes of Queensland, every corner of Australia offers unique challenges and opportunities for our vital native bees. Today we’re speaking with Dr. Kit Prendergast about the intricate world of Australian bees and their specialized relationships with native flora.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Every day native bees fly and forage under a shadow — the threat from pesticides. Today we’re talking with Dr. Charlie Nicholson who guides us through the dangers that agricultural pesticide use poses to our vital pollinators and introduces us to the concept of post-approval monitoring of these chemicals. We discover there is a pressing need for stronger regulatory measures to protect our invaluable bee communities and in turn, the biodiversity upon which we all depend.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Research underscores the remarkable efficiency of wild bees over their honey-producing counterparts in pollinating fruit trees, a critical insight for agriculture and biodiversity. Today we’re exploring the verdant orchards of Ireland with Garry Connolly, a passionate advocate for native bees. Garry shares his journey from curiosity to action, mobilizing a community-wide effort to support these crucial pollinators.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
It’s not news that the food we eat should be nutritious, but are the floral resources we provide to bees actually what they need? We explore the intricate world of bee nutrition with our guest Dr. Sarah Leonhardt. We chat about the importance of pollen and nectar, the challenges in analyzing pollen chemistry, the impact of climate change on flower quality, and the need to deepen our understanding of bee nutrition amidst environmental changes. It’s a conversation on the critical role of nutrition in sustaining bee populations.
What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
The month of May buzzes with significance for our tiny yet mighty bees. We kick off with World Bee Day on May 20, a global celebration aiming to spotlight the critical role bees and other pollinators play in ensuring food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and preserving biodiversity. And then we move right into the International Day for Biodiversity on May 22, reflecting on the rich tapestry of life that makes up our ecosystems and the importance of its preservation, reflected in this year's theme: "Be Part of the Plan."
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Providing nesting areas and floral resources for bees contributes to the conservation of biodiversity. Taking care of our native bees is one of the best ways to safeguard our environment. We’re speaking with Justina Block who shares her journey of raising native bees at home to starting a business promoting native bees and their habitats which led to a research-based project looking for the best floral resources for mason bees.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Let your lawn become a haven for bees! Did you know that by mowing less and nurturing the wildflowers that bring them joy, you can support bee abundance and diversity? Today, we’re talking with Dr. Susannah Lerman about her research study that found mowing lawns less can be a simple and cost-effective way to support bee populations without the need for replacing lawns or creating separate pollinator gardens.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Let’s talk about the challenges wild and native bees face, with a particular focus on habitat loss. Beyond just the scarcity of floral resources, we’re looking at the often-overlooked aspect of nesting site depletion when natural landscapes are transformed for agriculture or urban development. My guest Aaron Bhambra introduces us to lowland heath, an internationally threatened ecosystem, and the tormentil mining bee, an endangered species.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
The native versus non-native plant debate for native bees is one that demands careful consideration. We talk to Dr. Nicole Seitz who believes that while native plants remain the preferred option for supporting native bees, the inclusion of high-quality pollinator-friendly non-native plants can be good supplementary resources for bees in areas where natural systems are scarce.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Fast food for bees? A quick meal isn’t often the healthiest. But a lack of food is one of the biggest threats to bees. However, there’s a bright yellow tasty and nutritious bee food source that unfortunately many of us get rid of because it’s considered a weed. Today, Dr. Philip Donkersly tells us why we should let dandelions, the ever-present blooms of sunshine, thrive.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Creating a bee-friendly garden is not only rewarding but also essential for supporting bee populations and maintaining biodiversity. By planting a variety of native flowers, considering the nutritional value of plants, and providing nesting places, you can make a significant impact on the well-being of bees in your area.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Season 2 is coming on February 6! This season I want us all to Bee Inspired to do a little more to support native bees. Listen now to find out what 2024 has in store for The Bee’s Knees!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Is there one all-powerful pollinator? One that can efficiently pollinate every crop, in every environment, all over the world? Many people believe that the honey bee is such a mighty insect. But actually, wild bees are twice as effective in pollinating crops. Dr. Lucas Garibaldi shares insight from his global study looking at pollination services beyond the honey bee.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Imagine leisurely walking through your local park and stumbling upon a neglected area. The grass is overgrown, there are patches of barren soil, and the flowers appear to be in disarray. But upon closer inspection, you'll see that the space is full of life. Bees are buzzing, butterflies are fluttering, and the flowers are charming. You've found a pollinator plot: a natural piece of land carefully monitored to support the native bee population. In this episode, Anja Proske introduces us to Germany's Wild Bee Project.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Native bees and other pollinators are under threat because of widespread pesticide use. But how exactly do these insecticides affect them, and more importantly, the pollination work so critical to our food supply? We talk with researcher Kiah Tasman to find out.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Pollinators worldwide are dying, which is extremely worrying, especially for bees. We need bees for their pollination services but also to support biodiversity. We know pesticides have devastating consequences for bees, but how do they affect them in the long term? Today’s guest, Dr. Clara Stuligross, decided to find out.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Today’s episode looks at the worldwide decline of pollinators and its effects on human health. Insect pollination is crucial in growing vital and nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Unfortunately, many crops are receiving inadequate pollination due to the scarcity and lack of variety of pollinating insects. This impacts our healthy food supply.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Gut microbiome and smog. You probably didn’t think you’d be listening to that when you clicked play. We talk a lot about bee health, and today’s episode looks at an underexplored area of pollutants and bee health. We all know about pesticides, but there’s something else they can’t fly away from that is endangering their health: air pollution.
Our guest is Dr. Hannah Sampson, who researched black carbon air pollution and its effects on a bee’s gut microbiome. We also talk about where more research is needed in terms of different air pollutants and their differing health effects on bees.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Bees are a crucial part of our ecosystem, and their well-being is vital for the survival of many other species. For bees, having access to food when they wake up from their overwintering stage is one of the most important things. As temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, it's crucial to ensure enough flowering plants are available for bees to forage on in the early stages of their life cycle. Thanks to Dr. Chris Wyver from the University of Reading for joining us today.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
What happens when researchers spot a rare bumblebee at an unusual time of the year? Working with local officials, they ensured plant conditions remained, allowing them to learn more about the Bombus Confusus. Today, we’re talking to one of the researchers, Michal Perlík.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Bee hotels can give cavity-nesting bees a place to live. But they can also be excellent research tools when looking at native bee fitness, diversity, and abundance. Today we’re talking with Dr. Kit Prendergast about the benefits of bee hotels.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
How else can pollen benefit bees? In this episode, we talk about the common eastern bumblebee, bombus impatiens and a gut pathogen called Crithidia bombi. Researchers started out looking at nectar and then moved on to pollen when they weren't seeing the results they wanted. They selected a few plants they thought might be interesting, and one of those plants was the sunflower. This episode is a great look into the world of research, how scientists approach a study, and most importantly, they discovered something fascinating to support bees.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
How can wildflower strips be used around farmland to increase plant diversity and attract a wider range of bumblebees and solitary bees? We’re talking about Dr. Rachel Nichol’s research that found a mix of key flower species in a wild bee-focused seed mix can attract a better diversity of pollinators than other types of mixes.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Do you feel confident in your knowledge of bees? Two universities recently conducted studies to learn more about the public's knowledge and perceptions of bees. With this knowledge, can we craft educational messaging to motivate people to act in the best interests of bees?
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Today we're talking about something that has the potential to support bees, biodiversity, and sustainable energy. Pretty impressive, don’t you think? Listen to my conversation with Dr. Zachary Goff-Eldredge, who'll introduce us to the world of pollinator-friendly solar.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
What do forests offer bees? A lot! Dr. John Mola and I discuss the food resources and nesting sites that forests provide bees year-round.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Any habitat for bees is better than no habitat for bees. But we need to consider a few things if we plan to create pollinator habitats as a conservation tool. Today, we’re talking with Dr. Hannah Leverson about how many diverse plants provide the best quality bee resources.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
In today’s mini-episode, we take a look at the EU’s New Deal for Pollinators. What’s it about, and what will it do? What is the actual status of pollinators in the European Union?
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
A decline in global bee diversity is a troubling trend. Today, biologist Dr. Eduardo Zattera shares with us what he found reviewing worldwide bee data and what it means for ecosystems worldwide.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
The earth’s temperature keeps rising, and the littlest creatures are often the most affected. Today we’re talking about how drought and extreme heat harms bees. My thanks to Dr. James Hung for joining us this episode.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Are you looking to bring more life to your garden? Planting flowers, shrubs, and trees that attract and keep bees is the way to do it. We talk with Dr. Harland Patch about creating a pollinator garden and why it's essential to protecting and nurturing bees.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Extreme rainfall is devasting bees and their habitats. Listen now to learn how the recent flooding we’ve seen worldwide can impact bees and how we can help by thinking differently about what we plant.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Create a garden of entertainment by inviting bees to make their homes in your yard. Today we’re going to talk about nesting sites for bees and how we can easily create these essential spaces in our backyards.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Learn more about native bees, their lifestyle, and how to protect them. Native bees are threatened by a variety of elements, but there are things we can do to support them. Listen now and then head out with your bee goggles on!
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.
Bees are intelligent, compassionate creatures who contribute to sustainable farming, biodiversity, environmental protection, and more. The Bee's Knees will introduce you to the people, programs, and organizations nurturing our buzzing buddies. Listen in to learn about the wonderful world of bees and how you can nurture the literal busy bees of Mother Nature.
Thanks for listening! Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to our newsletter.