Carpenter bees: Destroyers of wood or beneficial pollinators?
Bees are a welcome site in our gardens. Without the help of bees (and other pollinators) pollinating many of our plants, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy...
HCE sponsors free presentation on bees with local Master Naturalist
YORKVILLE, Ill. – Do bees hibernate in the winter? Why is a swarm a good thing for the colony? How important is pollination for our food supply? Get answers to these and many other buzz-worthy questions in a fun, informative presentation by beekeeper and University of Illinois Extension Master...
Researchers call on backyard scientists to help save pollinators
URBANA, Ill. – Fluttering quietly and steadily from flower to bloom, butterflies, bees and other pollinators do the hard background work of fertilizing flowering plants, fruits and crops. But these unsung heroes are in danger. Studies have shown an estimated 40% of insect species, including the...
Join local beekeeper and master gardener to learn about bees and their homes
CLINTON, Ill. – Bees are important and play vital roles in our ecosystem, but what function does each bee species serve? Which bees are the best pollinators? Do bees live alone or in colonies? In what types of homes do bees reside? DeWitt County Master Gardeners are hosting an event to answer...
Small bees attracted to small flowers
URBANA, Ill. – While the bumblebee is likely the most well-known pollinator, pollinators come in a variety of shapes, species, and sizes.
“Many entomologists believe the tiny sweat bee nectaring on your flowering weed is just as important to a healthy ecosystem as the more well-known...
Learn how to attract pollinators to your garden and why it is important
MONTICELLO, Ill. – About one-third of the food and beverages we consume depend on pollinators. Apples, cucumbers, herbs, watermelons, chocolate, and coffee need animals to pollinate them. Pollinators also contribute to plant and animal diversity in our natural areas. Learn how to attract...