Bug Squad

Thar's gold in them thar hills? Probably not. But thar's definitely gold in that there pollinator garden--our little pollinator garden in Vacaville, Calif. Gold, black and white--as in the iconic monarch caterpillars. We've been waiting all year for Mama Monarchs to lay some eggs on our milkweed.

This year ranks as the worst monarch season he's ever seen in California. But...this year ranks as the best milkweed season he's ever seen in California.

The three men pause in front of the Kate Frey Pollinator Garden at the Sonoma Cornerstone and begin to read the sign. "The Pollinator Garden by Kate Frey," one man reads out loud. "It's brand new, come back soon and watch as it grows. This flower-filled and colorful garden is a pollinator garden.

Meet Wendy Mather, program manager of California Master Beekeeper Program (CAMBP) Bees are her passion, and her passion is bees.

You're heard these idioms: The early bird gets the worm First come, first served. Johnny-on-the-spot. The second mouse gets the cheese. But have you ever seen a Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) eclose and then see her...well...engaged? Such was the case on Labor Day, Sept.