This year will be a World Bee Day like no other. Created by the United Nations to raise awareness about pollinators, this event is celebrated on the birthday of Anton Janša, a pioneer of modern beekeeping. 

The focus this year is on healthy beekeeping as a way to recognize the impact of coronavirus on beekeepers, and by extension, our food supply.

Want to join in the celebration? Here are some ideas:

• The World Bee Day web page has links to activities and events, including online events
• Closer to home, support a local beekeeper by purchasing their honey and other hive products
• Start watching bees in your own garden to learn more about them and appreciate their activity. Check out our YouTube video for an introduction to bee watching.
• Add bee-supporting plants to your garden. These low-water plants do well in central California.

The humble honey bee, Apis mellifera. We can't eat without these girls, so please show them some love.

Squash bee, Peponapis pruinosa (left), and honey bee, Apis mellifera (right), in a zucchini flower. The native squash bee and non-native honey bee both pollinate this crop.

The threatened Crotch's bumble bee, Bombus crotchii, on Cedros Island verbena, Verbena lilacina 'De La Mina' in the Haven. It's great to know that our bee sanctuary is providing a home for this rare bee.

Nicknamed the teddy bear bee, a male valley carpenter bee, Xylocopa varipuncta, peeks out of his nest in an old log

Sweat bees (left) and a honey bee (right) on sunflower. This is a good bee plant that supports many types of bees.

Blooming flowers at the Haven. A variety of pollen and nectar sources help bees stay healthy.