In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, hosts Debbie and Laurie welcome Dr. Carrie DeJaco, an ecological consultant and native plant expert, to explore the fascinating—and sometimes surprising—role of honeybees in pollination.

 

Dr. DeJaco shares that honeybees, while vital for commercial agriculture, are not native to the Americas and are classified as livestock by the USDA. Their presence often overshadows the crucial role of native pollinators, which are more effective at pollinating many crops. With over 500 native bee species in North Carolina alone, the importance of supporting native pollinators cannot be overstated.

 

The discussion highlights the challenges facing native pollinators, including habitat loss, pesticide use, and competition from honeybees. Dr. DeJaco provides practical advice for creating pollinator-friendly spaces, such as planting native flowering plants that bloom throughout the growing season and avoiding plants treated with harmful chemicals like neonicotinoids.

 

Dr. DeJaco also shares insights from her ecological consulting work and native plant nursery, offering resources for listeners interested in creating habitats that support native species.

 

This episode encourages listeners to think beyond honeybees and take action to preserve the diverse native pollinators that play a critical role in ecosystems and food production.

If you have ideas for topics that you'd like us to pursue, send us a message either on our Facebook page or our website. We would really like to hear from you.

 

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Please visit and support our presenting sponsor, Backyard Birds at http://www.thebirdfoodstore.com/. A mecca for bird lovers and bird watchers, Backyard Birds is an independent family-owned business located in Matthews, NC (next to Dairy Queen), just southeast of Charlotte.

 

Thanks for listening to The Backyard Naturalists.  We hope you have a day filled with the wonders of nature. Get outside and take a walk on the wild side! Please don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for The Backyard Naturalists podcast.

 

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