Anyone paying attention to news regarding bee populations around the world is probably feeling a combination of startled, scared or even fascinated. Beekeepers worldwide report fewer and fewer surviving hives, with populations decreasing by as much as 70 percent each year, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). It’s called Colony Collapse Disorder.
While the presence of bees might not change one’s life on a daily basis, their absence will eventually cause issues with the growth of about a third of our natural food supply, which relies on pollination. This includes 130 different crops in the United States alone, including almonds, strawberries, grapes, pumpkins, melons and even vanilla.
Maple Grove does not allow residents to own beehives. But that doesn’t mean they can’t help sustain the bee population. The MPCA recommends creating bee-friendly areas by planting diverse gardens no matter how small. Growing various types of wild flowers that contain nectar supports bee health.
If you’d like to learn more about bees and possibly keep a hive of your own, surrounding communities including Brooklyn Park and Corcoran allow hives, and area landowners are more than willing to host hives. For more bee info, visit the website here.
