Why We Should Care For Pollinators

Lynchburg Is A Bee City

Did you know the City of Lynchburg is an official Bee City? As a new beekeeper herself, Dr. Elena Black is passionate that saving the bees can save our Earth, and we need you to help us make a difference! Dr. Black decided to become a beekeeper because of the critical importance of pollinators. Pollinators, especially bees, are vital to our ecosystem. They pollinate approximately 80% of the world’s flowering plants, including many essential food crops like nuts, vegetables, and fruits. In essence, bees play a key role in plant reproduction and the sustainability of our food supply, contributing to one in every three bites of food we eat.

Recognizing the vital role bees play in our environment, Dr. Black has become a passionate advocate for their conservation. As a beekeeper in Lynchburg, a city recognized for its bee-friendly initiatives, she emphasizes the need to protect bee populations to preserve our planet. To foster community engagement, she distributes seeds of native, bee-friendly plants. These plants not only support a variety of pollinators but also strengthen Virginia’s natural habitats by enhancing biodiversity and preventing the extinction of species.

The saying April showers bring May flowers isn’t just a fun turn of phrase. It also shows just how important pollinators are, especially bees! Without bees, those beautiful spring flowers wouldn’t be able to bloom, no matter how much rain falls. While some people may see bees as nothing but annoying little bugs that buzz, bees are especially important for the environment. As essential pollinators, bees actually pollinate about 80% of the world’s flowering plants. This means that they are incredibly important for not only the environment, but also our food, as they pollinate many nuts, veggies and fruits. That’s why we can thank the bees for all our food—one in every three bites we take, to be exact!

Another reason why bees are so wonderful is that they provide valuable healing substances like honey and propolis. Honey boasts remarkable benefits such as aiding in glucose metabolism, enhancing immune function and preventing plaque formation in the oral cavity. Propolis, often referred to as “bee glue,” is a sticky substance crafted by bees from tree resins. It possesses potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it ideal for creating antibacterial tinctures.