The Bee's Knees

Season 4 of The Bee’s Knees buzzes in this February with a new call to action: Bee a Hero. This season dives into the surprising ways native bees connect to our lives—from the hidden impacts of technology and pesticides to the hopeful stories of restoration and resilience. We bring together scientists, conservationists, and everyday advocates to share discoveries that spark change and inspire care. Listen in and discover how small actions can make a big difference for pollinators everywhere.
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In this episode, we’re exploring a fresh approach to bee research. Gwen Kirschke is combining remote sensing technology with ecological research to map floral resources across large landscapes. Supported by a NASA space grant, Gwen's research aims to predict where bees nest and forage by mapping the flowers they rely on, offering crucial insights into resource distribution and its impact on bee populations.

 
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Can having too many honeybee hives in our landscapes be detrimental? Dr. Ainhoa Magrach led a comprehensive review that brings fresh clarity to a long-standing question—how does the number of honeybee hives in a landscape affect wild pollinators, plant reproduction, and ecosystem health? We explore how the overuse of managed honeybees can sometimes undermine biodiversity and agricultural productivity and discuss sustainable practices that can make a difference. 
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Are we planting the right flowers for bees? We’re talking about the surprising dietary habits of wild bumble bees with Dr. Justin Bain who shares fascinating insights into how bumble bees choose their food and why it's essential for their survival. With climate change altering their natural habitats, understanding bee nutrition could be key to effective conservation efforts. 
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What does it mean to live with wild bees in an urban setting? Today we speak with Matthew Donahue who shares insights on how cities can be adapted to support bee populations. We discuss the differences between urban and wild habitats, the impact of bee stings, and actionable steps for creating bee-friendly environments in urban settings. Learn about the differences between bees and wasps, and discover how to coexist with and support these vital pollinators in your own neighborhood.
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