An Earth Day Letter to the Editor

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by John Torgrimson, the former director of Decorah's Seed Savers Exchange and current director of Lanesboro's Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center):

"Earth Day is now celebrated world-wide in 193 countries and coordinated by the non-profit Earth Day Network.  The theme for Earth Day 2019 – Monday, April 22 --  is 'Protect Our Species.'

The rapid reduction of plant and wildlife populations are directly linked to human activity:  climate change, deforestation, habitat loss, trafficking and poaching, unsustainable agriculture, pollution and pesticides.  Species in danger include coral reefs, whales, elephants, and insects to name a few.

The most threatened species in southeast Minnesota are bees. Native bees are one of the key pollinators of flowers, fruits and vegetables.  Over the past 15 years, colonies of bees have been disappearing, and the reasons remain unknown.  Referred to as 'colony collapse disorder,' billions of bees across the world are leaving their hives. 

A case in point is the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, whose population has declined 87 percent in the last 20 years.  Previously widespread in northeast United States its remaining home remains in the Midwest, including parts of southeast Minnesota. 

How can we help protect bees?  City folks can stop using pesticides and herbicides on their lawns and provide flowering plants from  April through October.  Where possible, avoid mowing in April and May, or set the blades of the mower at the highest level.  

Farmers who grow alfalfa are benefiting pollinators by providing blooming clover beneficial to bees.  Where possible, farmers should limit pesticide use and leave mow strips for bee habitat.

Remember that the vast majority of edible plants, which are necessary for human life, are pollinated by insects, especially bees.

Let's all do what we can to provide a place where native bees can flourish and do their important work for our benefit.

For more information on how you can help, go to the US Fish & Wildlife Service website (https://www.fws.gov/southeast/wildlife-and-you/bees) or the University of Minnesota Bee Lab's website (https://www.beelab.umn.edu)