The Bee's Knees

How can we enhance biodiversity in our cities and what is the vital role of urban green spaces in supporting pollinators? We’re exploring the relationship between urban sprawl and native bees with researcher Leonardo Lorenzato. Discover how urban landscapes can support bee populations through a patchwork of parks, gardens, and green spaces. We discuss the importance of resource availability, nesting opportunities, and how diverse plant species and well-connected green areas can make urban environments more bee-friendly. 

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our...

In this episode of ‘The Bees Knees', Shishir Paudel joins to discuss the implications of managing urban greenery as manicured lawns versus letting them flourish as diverse meadows. We cover biodiversity, ecosystem services and disservices, and public perception of urban meadows. Can we increase pollinator populations by understanding and implementing meadow-like landscapes in urban settings? 

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.

We speak with Leigh Biagi, a dedicated environmental advocate and founder of On the Verge. Discover how Leigh transformed her passion for change into a community-focused bee conservation project, learn about the challenges and successes of her journey, and gain practical insights for supporting native bees in your area. 

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.

Delve into the critical issue of toxic metals in urban nectar with Dr. Sarah Scott. The conversation reveals how contaminated pollen and nectar pose significant risks to bees, affecting their health and productivity. Dr. Scott shares insights from her research in Cleveland's post-industrial landscapes, highlighting unexpected sources of pollution and offering practical advice for supporting pollinators without compromising their environment. 

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our ne...

Native bees are essential for biodiversity but face significant threats. In this episode, Dr. Josée Rousseau discusses her research, which uses bird data to predict wild bee richness. Learn about the data sources used, why birds are excellent indicators of bee populations, and how combined data can improve bee conservation strategies. Discover the challenges of tracking wild bee data and the joys of going bee-ing.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and s...

Are sand mines hidden gems for bee conservation? Dr. Nicola Seitz shares the surprising role of reclaimed sand mines as vital habitats for wild bee populations. Despite their industrial origins, these landscapes host a diverse array of bee species, offering promising avenues for bee conservation. We explore the dynamics between sand mines and roadside meadows, uncovering how unconventional habitats can significantly support biodiversity efforts. 

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to o...

Discover how abandoned quarries can become thriving bee habitats! Dr. Felix Kirsch unveils the surprising role these landscapes play in bee conservation. By fostering natural habitats within these sites and ensuring strategic connectivity with grasslands, Dr. Kirsch shares the hidden potential of limestone quarries as biodiversity champions. 

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.

Uncover the hidden heroes of pollination—wild and native bees—and their crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance and food security. Dr. Natalie Lemanski shares fascinating research on seasonal shifts in bee communities and their impact on long-term ecosystem function. Learn how fostering bee diversity can stabilize crop production and buffer against environmental changes. Plus, find out how you can contribute by planting native species that bloom at different times to sustain bee populations and promote biodiversity. 

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our w...

In this episode of The Bee’s Knees, we’re buzzing about two global celebrations: World Bee Day and the International Day for Biodiversity. Discover the vital role of wild and native bees in preserving ecosystems, maintaining biodiversity, and supporting global food security. Learn simple, actionable steps to help protect these crucial pollinators and create harmony with nature. 

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.

We’re exploring the fascinating world of flower foraging by bees with Dr. Jaya Mokkapati. How do different bee species decide between the quantity of flowers and the nutritional quality of pollen? What drives these choices, and what can they teach us about supporting pollinators? Join us to uncover actionable insights that can inspire conservation efforts and transform gardening and farming practices to better sustain our vital pollinators.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed to...

Dive into the world of solitary leafcutter bees and discover how a seemingly undesirable mold could actually be their unlikely ally. Dr. Victoria Luizzi shares their fascinating research on Aspergillus mold, which might offer protective benefits to these essential pollinators. We talk about the leafcutter’s unique nesting habits, the symbiotic relationships between flora and fauna, and how a garden's bare patch can make a significant difference in supporting native bees. 

*The term “foulbrood” was used mistakenly, when our guest intended to refer to “stonebrood.” 

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us k...

In today's complex ecosystem, native bees play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity through their vital pollination efforts. However, their populations are under threat from various stressors such as climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use. In this episode, we explore these challenges and the actionable steps we can take to support these invaluable pollinators with Dr. Johanne Brunet.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.

In this inspiring episode, we're joined by Caroline Wagar from Environment America to explore simple, impactful steps each of us can take to support native bees. From creating vibrant urban gardens to pioneering legislative efforts, discover how small actions can have a big impact on pollinator-friendly environments. Get ready to be energized by creative ideas that engage communities in the mission to preserve bee habitats and foster biodiversity. Tune in now to learn how you can be a part of this vital movement and make a difference for the bees!

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us...

In this episode of The Bee's Knees, we take a virtual journey to Mexico to explore the world of the melipona, a stingless honey bee essential for pollinating the Yucatan rainforest. Join us as Rebecca Robertson, founding director of the Mayan Melipona Bee Sanctuary, shares her captivating story of conservation, culture, and community. 

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.

Ever wondered how bees choose their favorite flowers? Today we’re talking with Dr. Claire Hemingway who reveals fascinating insights into pollinator cognition and how bees' decisions impact biodiversity. 

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.

What can be done about the alarming decline in pollinator populations? Today, we’re talking about the PollinAction Project’s impactful initiatives with researcher Leonardo Lorenzato. Discover how creating green infrastructures, promoting economic sustainability, and raising awareness are crucial for supporting native bees, and get actionable advice on how you can make a difference in your own environment.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.

Welcome to Season 3 of The Bee’s Knees! We’ll be talking to bee enthusiasts from around the globe, learning about the latest research and everyday opportunities to support and protect our native bees. Tune in for inspiring stories and actionable tips to help support our vital pollinators. The new season starts February 4.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.

Today’s conversation explores how extreme temperatures disrupt the chemical communication between plants and bumblebees, specifically their ability to detect floral scents. Dr. Sabine Nooten explains her study findings on the impact of heat on worker and male bumblebees and the broader implications for ecosystem services and biodiversity. 

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.

In our bustling urban environments, the complex dance of pollination continues, often unnoticed. This week's discussion dives into the intricacies of urban pollination ecology with Dr. Elsa Youngstead, exploring how plants and pollinators interact within city landscapes. From battling air pollution to navigating cityscapes, bees are at the forefront of maintaining biodiversity. Join us as we uncover the dynamic ways in which cities alter plant-pollinator signaling and the innovative research that is paving the way for a sustainable future in urban conservation.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Imagine sleeping for a couple of months, waking up and realizing you’ve got to build a house, get a job, raise some kids, and feed them. Bumblebee queens go through this every spring and it’s really a critical time for their survival. Today, we’re speaking with Dr. Matthias Becher who shares his research on the seasonal needs of bumblebee colonies, particularly focusing on the critical early spring “hungry gap.”

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what...

How do native bees survive winter's chill? Discover how you can keep them warm and cozy this winter through simple actions like leaving autumn leaves undisturbed and holding off on your garden cleanup. We’ll also share the importance of perhaps unsightly things like bare soil and dead wood. Listen in to create your own cold-weather refuge for native bees.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.

In this episode of The Bee's Knees, we discuss the threats facing wild and native bees with Dr. Yi Zhou, an ecologist and entomologist. The discussion focuses on a study in South China's rice fields that revealed habitat loss as a more significant threat to pollinator diversity than pesticides. Dr. Zhou highlights the importance of conserving semi-natural habitats within agricultural landscapes to support bee populations. 

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today a...

In this episode, we dive into Dr. Lindsie McCabe's enlightening study on how changing temperatures impact the survival rates of cavity-nesting bees. Conducting a transplant experiment over three years, Dr. McCabe and her team uncovered how elevation and temperature fluctuations influence bee emergence. Discover why generalist bees are more adaptable to elevation changes compared to specialist bees, and what this means for bee conservation efforts in the face of climate change. Don't miss this important conversation on the overlooked aspects of bee life stages and their implications for biodiversity.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a...

In this episode of The Bee's Knees, we blend technology, science, and the natural world. Join us as we explore an innovative tool revolutionizing bee conservation – BeeMachine. This cutting-edge app utilizes artificial intelligence to help identify and document various bee species, making it easier for scientists and enthusiasts alike. The app’s founder, Brian Spiesman, shares insights into the app’s development and its significant impact on bee conservation efforts.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we dis...

Let’s explore the world of the Nordic honeybee, or Apis mellifera mellifera, a subspecies that once flourished across Southern Scandinavia, Central, and Western Europe. Today, in Sweden, a mere 1,000 of the 160,000 hives still house these native bees, highlighting a pressing need for conservation efforts. Mats Niklasson brings his unique background in forest history and ecological restoration to the conversation, offering an insightful perspective on the Nordic honeybee, and the importance of biodiversity, conservation, and the intricate balance of our ecosystems.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Th...

We’re exploring the challenges faced by native bees due to rising temperatures and drier conditions. Dr. Melanie Kazenel discusses her research using a 16-year dataset from New Mexico's drylands, revealing that while some bee species show resilience, about half face potential declines. The conversation touches on bee physiology, the importance of bee size in pollination, and the broader implications of these changes for biodiversity and conservation. 

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about wha...

What are the indirect effects of honey bee introductions on native bee populations and plant pollination patterns? Dr. Maureen Page joins us to share the unique roles that native bees play in our ecosystems, highlighting their differences from their honey-producing cousins and how these distinctions are vital for the health of our planet. The common camas herb, a key focus of the study, will serve as a prime example of how native bees outperform honey bees in pollination effectiveness, thanks to their unique traits and behaviors.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and...

How important are rare and declining bee species for pollinating various wildflowers and crops? We’re talking about that in this episode with Dr. Mark Genung who introduces us to ecosystem function theory and the broader implications for biodiversity when we lose species in a community. Our conversation covers significant findings from his recent study, the importance of maintaining biodiversity, and practical steps for conservation efforts.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we...

From the temperate regions of Tasmania to the tropical landscapes of Queensland, every corner of Australia offers unique challenges and opportunities for our vital native bees. Today we’re speaking with Dr. Kit Prendergast about the intricate world of Australian bees and their specialized relationships with native flora.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.

Every day native bees fly and forage under a shadow — the threat from pesticides. Today we’re talking with Dr. Charlie Nicholson who guides us through the dangers that agricultural pesticide use poses to our vital pollinators and introduces us to the concept of post-approval monitoring of these chemicals. We discover there is a pressing need for stronger regulatory measures to protect our invaluable bee communities and in turn, the biodiversity upon which we all depend.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our webs...

Research underscores the remarkable efficiency of wild bees over their honey-producing counterparts in pollinating fruit trees, a critical insight for agriculture and biodiversity. Today we’re exploring the verdant orchards of Ireland with Garry Connolly, a passionate advocate for native bees. Garry shares his journey from curiosity to action, mobilizing a community-wide effort to support these crucial pollinators.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.

It’s not news that the food we eat should be nutritious, but are the floral resources we provide to bees actually what they need?  We explore the intricate world of bee nutrition with our guest Dr. Sarah Leonhardt. We chat about the importance of pollen and nectar, the challenges in analyzing pollen chemistry, the impact of climate change on flower quality, and the need to deepen our understanding of bee nutrition amidst environmental changes. It’s a conversation on the critical role of nutrition in sustaining bee populations.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text...

The month of May buzzes with significance for our tiny yet mighty bees. We kick off with World Bee Day on May 20, a global celebration aiming to spotlight the critical role bees and other pollinators play in ensuring food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and preserving biodiversity. And then we move right into the International Day for Biodiversity on May 22, reflecting on the rich tapestry of life that makes up our ecosystems and the importance of its preservation, reflected in this year's theme: "Be Part of the Plan."

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message...

Providing nesting areas and floral resources for bees contributes to the conservation of biodiversity. Taking care of our native bees is one of the best ways to safeguard our environment. We’re speaking with Justina Block who shares her journey of raising native bees at home to starting a business promoting native bees and their habitats which led to a research-based project looking for the best floral resources for mason bees.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about wh...

Let your lawn become a haven for bees! Did you know that by mowing less and nurturing the wildflowers that bring them joy, you can support bee abundance and diversity? Today, we’re talking with Dr. Susannah Lerman about her research study that found mowing lawns less can be a simple and cost-effective way to support bee populations without the need for replacing lawns or creating separate pollinator gardens.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we di...

Let’s talk about the challenges wild and native bees face, with a particular focus on habitat loss. Beyond just the scarcity of floral resources, we’re looking at the often-overlooked aspect of nesting site depletion when natural landscapes are transformed for agriculture or urban development. My guest Aaron Bhambra introduces us to lowland heath, an internationally threatened ecosystem, and the tormentil mining bee, an endangered species.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and...

The native versus non-native plant debate for native bees is one that demands careful consideration. We talk to Dr. Nicole Seitz who believes that while native plants remain the preferred option for supporting native bees, the inclusion of high-quality pollinator-friendly non-native plants can be good supplementary resources for bees in areas where natural systems are scarce.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.

Fast food for bees? A quick meal isn’t often the healthiest. But a lack of food is one of the biggest threats to bees. However, there’s a bright yellow tasty and nutritious bee food source that unfortunately many of us get rid of because it’s considered a weed. Today, Dr. Philip Donkersly tells us why we should let dandelions, the ever-present blooms of sunshine, thrive.

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today...

Creating a bee-friendly garden is not only rewarding but also essential for supporting bee populations and maintaining biodiversity. By planting a variety of native flowers, considering the nutritional value of plants, and providing nesting places, you can make a significant impact on the well-being of bees in your area. 

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.

Season 2 is coming on February 6! This season I want us all to Bee Inspired to do a little more to support native bees. Listen now to find out what 2024 has in store for The Bee’s Knees! 

What's on your buzzy mind? Send us a text message and let us know!

Thanks for listening! Visit our website to learn more about what we discussed today and subscribe to our newsletter.