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June 10, 2012

City Slicker...Honeybees


In our very populated world, most honeybees rely on humans to provide their housing. In fact, 90% of the wild honeybees in North America have died off (Varroa mites are hugely responsible for this as well), and beekeepers are losing hives to CCD (colony collapse disorder) every year. Though CCD is still an ongoing challenge, one way to combat the lowering honeybee population is to set up beehives wherever we can. 
In comes the City Slicker Bee!

Urban beekeeping is catching on, opening a whole new "area" for bees to live. Posh hotels in New York City are setting up hives on their rooftops. Check out this article by CBSnews about the Waldorf-Astoria, which plans to harvest its own honey, and along with other rooftop beekeepers, help pollinate the surrounding plants (just think: Central Park). Urban beekeeping now thrives on Melbourne Rooftops as well--see article HERE. For those City Slicker Humans interested in starting up a hive or two, Huffington Post has a great article on Urban Beekeeping for Beginners.

So, no matter where you live, there is a place for honeybees. They promise not to take up too much room, promise to work hard and be friendly (unless they're being squished or otherwise threatened--and wouldn't that make you a little grumpy?), and promise to give back far more than they take.

attribution for photo: Chrysler Building by David Shankbone

3 comments:

  1. This is so important, Christine! The bee population has been devasted in recent years. When I cruised to Alaska last year, I was lucky enough to stop by The Grand Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia, and see the hives they use to provide honey for their kitchens. (When I write my blog with my updated honey bee book trailer, I'll be writing more about it on my blog, http://lorimortensen.blogspot.com.

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  2. How fascinating! I have a friend who keeps bees. Honestly, I'm a little afraid of them. THat scene from Fried Green Tomatoes pops into my head anytime I think of them - I am definitely NOT a bee charmer.

    THanks for following my blog! New follower!

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  3. Not a lot of people realize how completely dependent we are on bees, thanks for raising awareness! I pledge to try to save all the bees I can. :]

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