Bee Safe City

Worldwide, it has been determined that the bee population, vital to the ecosystem that underlies the food production chain, is in alarming decline, and is rapidly becoming a major environmental concern. The cause of this decline is called colony collapse disorder, and is believed to be related to the use of pesticides that are killing bees and other pollinators.

Yesterday 2/24,in Shorewoood at City Hall, a group of western suburban residents introduced a proposal to establish a “Bee Safe” City.  The proposal, adapted from Bee City USA (North Carolina), is an attempt to save the dwindling bee population from the ravages of toxic chemicals used in agriculture and in neighborhood gardens. The meeting took place at the Education session prior to the City Council Meeting.

A surprising amount of people from the Shorewood community attended the meeting on a cold winter evening. The presentation seemed to be very positively received by the city council. Members seemed to be open to further exploring alternative ways of pesticide-free city gardening, and in connecting to the research currently being conducted by the bee lab at the U of MN. (www.beelab.umn.edu) The group of environmentalists are calling themselves Humming for Bees, and they are interested in educating themselves & others about the plight of the bees and exploring ways to stem the destructive tide. 

If you are interested in participation in the group’s activities, contact Barbara at Goodfisch@aol.com.