One of the most influential books about bees has little to do with bees, but rather reflects on the nature of modern society. Bernard Mandeville (1670-1733) wrote and revised his “Fable of the Bees”, after publishing a poem in 1705 titled “The Grumbling Hive: or, Knaves Turn'd Honest”. The book is considered one the first pieces of modern sociology and was influential for revolutionaries lat

One of the most influential books about bees has little to do with bees, but rather reflects on the nature of modern society. Bernard Mandeville (1670-1733) wrote and revised his “Fable of the Bees”, after publishing a poem in 1705 titled “The Grumbling Hive: or, Knaves Turn'd Honest”. The book is considered one the first pieces of modern sociology and was influential for revolutionaries later in the 18th Century. We discuss the book as part of a two-part series.

Natural Resources Conservation Service has a range of programs to support the development of pollinator habitat in working lands. In this episode you’ll get an overview of NRCS programs, how landowners can access them and how, specifically, they can be used to improve habitat for pollinators.

Pesticide applicators across the US needed to become certified and trained. In this episode we explore where this training requirement came from and how it applies to reducing exposure of pollinators to pesticides. 

Highbush blueberry is the largest pollinated crop in Oregon and one of the top crops in the US as a whole. Beekeepers report that their colonies can sometimes experience difficulties when pollinating this crop. In this episode we hear about how to keep bees healthy in blueberry production systems.

Lowbush blueberry growers in Atlantic Canada have been increasing bee habitat around their fields by encouraging existing plant communities. In this episode we learn how they do this and the incredible bees that pollinate this crop.  

With National Pollinator week next week, we caught up with staff at Pollinator Partnership (P2) to learn about what’s happening to celebrate the week, but also to catch up on growing P2 initiatives; Bee Friendly Farming and the Pollinator Stewards program. 

Squash bees were never known to Oregon until a few years ago. This summer Oregonians may see the squash bee Peponapis pruinosa for the first time.  Learn about these bees and how to track them in the state on this episode.

Raspberries are not nearly as difficult to pollinate as self-incompatible tree fruit or blueberries. But getting consistent fruit quality still requires finesse. In this episode we cover the pollination requirements of these berries, some of the bees that visit (and nest) in these crops and how to ensure a consistent level of pollination. 

Your honey bees have expanded many fold this spring. Now is the opportunity to split your colonies in half and get two colonies. In this episode we learn all the tricks associated with reliable and quick spring (and summer) and division of colonies.