An anonymous benefactor put up two bee boxes in trees on the side of the garden
where our compost bins are.
The boxes are meant to attract Mason bees, a stingless bee that is an
excellent pollinator.
if it’s been there awhile.
We know bees make honey, but sometimes we forget their most important job is pollinating food crops, like almonds, avocados, Brussels sprouts, onions, and much more. Researchers estimate bees help pollinate up to 1/3 of all the foods we eat, and up to 90% of wild plants.
Sadly, many species have started disappearing in recent years. Honeybees have been hit by a syndrome called “Colony Collapse Disorder,” which may result from pests, diseases, and other factors. Native wild bees are in trouble, too, but we can help by putting out boxes for nest-dwellers.
