Join the Great Backyard Bee Count-Sat, Aug 11

Bees are very important because they are major pollinators of many of both the pretty flowers we enjoy but many foods we eat. And there is a problem with bees that has been called 'colony collapse disorder' with beekeepers reporting a loss of 30-90% of their hives! I plant flowers like the sunflower above to bring and nourish bees, both the non-native honey bees and native bees, in my yard. They have rewarded by efforts by very successfully pollinating my tomato and pepper plants providing a bountiful harvest.

The Great Backyard Bee Count is a chance for everyone to help by counting bees in their own yard this Saturday, August 11. This will provide important information from us 'citizen scientists' about where and how many bees there are, information that is lacking.

 What do you need to take part in the bee count

• Just 15 minutes this Saturday, August 11
• "You can participate by growing some bee friendly plants in your yard and then taking 15 minutes out of your day to count the bees that visit them. "
• You do NOT need to be a 'bee expert'-they have guides to help you identify what you see including 'How to tell a Bee'.
(there are other insects that look like bees that are also found on pollinating flowers)

And do add some pollinator plants to your yard, try at least one native or near-native plant (like the pretty blanketflower above).