We're getting old now, at least in bee years… Green Neighbors is about 1,450 bee years old or seven human years! The western honey bee lives about 150 days while the modern human can hope to live about 31,025 days, but besides the notable differences in lifespan, size, and our inability to fly, we actually have more in common with our buzzy buddies than you might think. Both bees and people require good neighbors for the hive to thrive. Come celebrate with us to learn how to be a good neighbor to the native bees in our community!
Bees, like any neighbor, require respect. If you treat them right they will lend you some honey, help with your gardens, and provide a sense of community. We've invited Jennifer S. Snyder to share with us how to be a good neighbor to the local bees, avoid conflict with these often misunderstood pollinators, and promote the ecosystem services that native bees provide within our community and worldwide.
Jennifer L. Snyder holds a Master's degree from Oregon State University in entomology. She has over 10 years professional experience working with schools, Native American groups, universities, homeowners, the pest management industry, state and federal agencies, and non-profit organizations on pest and pesticide reduction in the built environment, as well as how to encourage beneficial insects. She has worked for Cooperative Extension programs conducting research and public education on insects in both Arizona (University of Arizona) and Oregon (Oregon State University). She has also worked for the pest management industry and non-profit organizations on insect identification and pollinator education.
Mason bees are super pollinators! Six mason bees will pollinate one fruit tree compared to 10,000 honeybees.
The Insect Safari is a collection of preserved insect specimens including pollinator insects such as butterflies.
Girl Scout Troop 12341 have nine bee homes on display at the Natural Gardens at Pacific Park.