Sixth-graders are bee-ing there for the bees

NORTH CANAAN — â€œThe bees are in trouble,â€� Patricia Blumhagen began. “And that means humans are in trouble.â€�

Blumhagen, of the Organic Herb Barn and Art Gallery in Ashley Falls, Mass., visited sixth-graders at North Canaan Elementary School on April 23. She charmed students with her passionate talk and visual presentation. And she impressed upon them the need for everyone to play a part in protecting the population of bees that are used to pollinate commercial crops.

A dramatic drop in bee population, which began about two years ago, is potentially caused by a combination of things, Blumhagen said. “It’s called colony collapse disorder.�

She mentioned one theory, that cell tower signals disrupt the way bees navigate so they cannot find their way back to the hive. Viruses and mites that would spread quickly through hives may also be taking their toll. Pesticides used on food crops and genetically modified plants are also being looked at as a potential cause.

“While scientists try to find out why this is happening, there are a lot of things you children can do to help,� Baumhagen said. Keeping the environment clean and not littering is helpful. Children could suggest to their parents they not use chemicals on lawns, and even consider turning a lawn into a vegetable garden.

Keep a bowl of fresh water out for the bees.

Eat foods that are organically grown, meaning no pesticide use, and foods that are in season. The demand for out-of-season food is promoting growing practices that stretch the natural cycle.

After the talk, students planted sunflowers and borage, a wild herb bees favor, to later transfer into the school’s garden, and into their own at home.