Our Native Bees
North America's Endangered Pollinators and the Fight to Save Them
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A New York Times 2018 Holiday Gift Selection Honey bees get all the press, but the fascinating story of North America’s native bees—endangered species essential to our ecosystems and food supplies—is just as crucial. Through interviews with farmers, gardeners, scientists, and bee experts, Our Native Bees explores the importance of native bees and focuses on why they play a key role in gardening and agriculture. The people and stories are compelling: Paige Embry goes on a bee hunt with the world expert on the likely extinct Franklin’s bumble bee, raises blue orchard bees in her refrigerator, and learns about an organization that turns the out-of-play areas in golf courses into pollinator habitats. Our Native Bees is a fascinating, must-read for fans of natural history and science and anyone curious about bees.
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A lot of the nonfiction I read is political, so sometimes it's nice to just read about bees. Especially when you can tell how much fun the author is having. Embry really loves bees.
I also like that she doesn't create an unnecessary divide between “wild” and “civilization.” She talks about a farm that simply doesn't weed between rows of crops, providing bees with more variety in diet. She talks about a golf course that composts to reduce chemical nitrogen use.
Her overarching point seems to be: there are simple and effective ways to support wildlife, including wild bees. And stewardship arguments aside, humans often materially benefit from doing so.
This is a fascinating look at a subject I'd never thought to explore. It's oddly endearing, and a good reminder of the beauty and complexity in nature. I suddenly feel like beekeeping. From my apartment. In January. I guess you could say I get what all the buzz is about. I'll see myself out.
