Pollinator News               Sept. 29, 2017 It is the mites because . . . “But even if the varroa mite problem were solved today, this would not by itself solve all of the problems facing honey bees and beekeepers,” Dr. Jeff Pettis, Research Leader USDA -Agricultural Research Service The latest research on mites,

Pollinator News               Sept. 15, 2017 Contradictions in City Ordinances Put Pollinators (and homeowners) At Risk- a personal story by Michele Colopy As a beekeeper, I work to be an example for others that we all need to support our pollinators.  Planting pollinator supportive plants is key to supporting the health and nutrition

“But even if the varroa mite problem were solved today, this would not by itself solve all of the problems facing honey bees and beekeepers,” Dr. Jeff Pettis, Research Leader USDA -Agricultural Research Service 1 The latest research on mites, and another avenue2 to control them is welcomed.  However, the recent research 3 and surveys4,5

Pollinator News                    Sept. 1, 2017 Gaps in Pesticide Use Estimates (from the Xerces Society) California’s pesticide use reporting is the best available data on pesticide use in the country. Still, common uses of neonicotinoids in agricultural and urban settings are not captured, leading to gaps in our understanding of use

Pollinator News          Aug. 18, 2017 Bee Health Is Not Just About Numbers of Hives USDA- NASS released its annual report of honey bee losses last week.  These annual bee health and honey surveys by NASS are a snapshot in time.  These surveys can be confusing for the non-beekeeper.  However, it shows what any beekeeper would

Pollinator News          Aug. 4, 2017 Congressional briefing on pesticides toxic to bees, birds, and other wildlife Members of Congress, scientific experts, beekeepers, farmers and environmental advocates to document the devastating impacts of pollinator population decline WASHINGTON, D.C. — A coalition of environmental, beekeeping, and farming organizations held a Congressional briefing on Thursday, July 27th to

Pollinator News                     July 21, 2017 Pollinator Habitat is a Collaboration Pollinator health is key to an affordable and sustainable food supply.   Managed honey bees and native pollinators have been experiencing four challenges to their health.  When combined, the pests, pathogens, pesticide exposure, and poor forage are gravely affecting our pollinators. Pesticide exposure, either

Pollinator News                     July 7, 2017 Pyrethroid Comments- Act Today!  DDL. Midnight July 7th We apologize for the late notice of this ACTION, as the deadline for comments to EPA is Friday, July 7 at midnight.  The PSC computer was hacked, held for ransom, wiped clean, then restored—but it delayed getting this information to

The Pollinator Stewardship Council seeks your support and comments concerning the Environmental Protection Agency review of Pyrethroids.  Please submit your comments to protect your honey bees and native pollinators from the adverse impact of pesticides. Step 1- Copy and Paste Text of the draft letter below At Regulations.gov, where comments can be submitted to the

Pollinator News            June 23, 2017 Consumer Habits Will Drive Pollinator Protection- What are you doing to help? Adopting a Hive Mentality-Part IV Guest writer, Wendy Mather Pollinator Week is being celebrated nationally June 19-25.  If you’re reading this newsletter, please take initiative and spread the word about what we can do to protect