Good Natured Roots

It’s easy to lead with doom and gloom. However, providing opportunities close to home and beyond for children to play, observe, and appreciate nature all come before asking them to save it.

What are some ways that you and your family nurture your relationship with the natural world?

Pop back in this week for some tips on how to do just that with children of all ages!

World Honey Bee Day recognizes both the honey bee and the beekeepers who tend the hives! There are over 20,000 known bee species in the world, and 4,000 of them are native to the United States with Florida being home to more than 300 species of native bees, of which 29 are endemic (found only in Florida). Bees are insects that depend on the nectar of a variety of plants for their survival. We depend largely on honeybees for our survival! Without their pollinating abilities, many nutritious plants wouldn’t reproduce.

Habitat loss is the number one reason for bee decline, with pesticide use, invasive species, and climate change also playing a major role. With the growth of cities and farms, habitat suitable for our native bees shrinks. And with competition and habitat degradation from invasive species, the suitable habitat becomes even less.

Many cultures throughout the world such as the Egyptian, Minoan, Greek, and Roman cultures depicted some of their many goddesses as images with bee-like stripes, wings, and antennae!

Have you ever tried honey tasting? There is magic in the unique flavors of honey. They vary depending on the variety of flowers and nectar available to the bees! Clover, alfalfa, lavender, orange, and chestnut from sweet to spicy are just a few to choose from.

Did you know that Morgan Freeman Converted His 124-Acre Ranch Into A Giant Honeybee Sanctuary To Save The Bees? You can celebrate and make a big change in the lives of bees on even a smaller scale.

🐝Buy locally grown honey
🐝Become a community scientist
🐝Plant a bee garden using native trees and flowers
🐝Don’t use chemicals in gardens
🐝Create a bee bath