We See Bees
Bumblebees
As we move slowly into spring, our theme this season is all about the bees! Bumblebees are the worlds pollinators. They’re one of the most quintessential signs of spring as flowers start blooming and colors emerge after the long winter. Without bees, the spring flowers would not be able to bloom, and many vegetables we enjoy in our gardens would not be possible.
On January 11th, 2017, however, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service sent out a statement that declared the first species of bumblebee endangered in the Continental United States, the Rusty patched bumblebee. With this new declaration, it’s more important than ever that people know just how much these little guys help in our gardens.
Just a few examples of the fruits and vegetables that bees bring to our grocery stores include:
- Tomato’s
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Apples
- Cherries
- Pumpkins
- Strawberries
- And many more!
Some things you can do to help the bee population is plant native flowers wherever you can, limit the use of pesticides, and leave landscapes natural and uncut after summer to give bees a happy home for the winter.
For more information on the declaration and characteristics of this species, see the U.S. Fish and Wildlife posting.
Event Recap – Growing Sprouts with Children at the Coop
Last week GROW La Crosse partnered with the People’s Food Coop to put on the first ever Growing Sprouts with Children event with GROW’s program director, Jamie O’Neill. Children and parents gathered upstairs to learn about growing sprouts.
Armed with samples of broccoli and alfalfa sprouts, Jamie brought some greenery to the wintery mood with an educational program that got kids excited about healthy, natural food and brought families together for the afternoon.
The next Food Art event will be held in the same venue – the upstairs classroom of the coop on February 7th from 5:30-7pm
Registration is required and cost is $10 for member family and $15 for nonmember family.
Call to register at 608.784.5798 or stop at the store counter.
Follow this link for more Coop events: Calendar events
Upcoming
Don’t forget about Farm Camp this summer! These three-day camps connect children ages 5-12 to the inner workings of running a farm with activities such as animal care, ecosystem dynamics, and growing food. Other camps and summer activities are available. See more details on the registration site.
Registration is open now.
