KQED QUEST is running a program on bees airing tonight (what a coincidence that the DtaS event on Bees is tonight). This video is a great introduction to honey bees and the plight they face.

Colony Collapse Disorder…maybe you’ve heard about it, maybe not. The main point is honey bees are disappearing in many places throughout the country (30-70% decline in population). And the foremost bee scientists do not have a clear cut answer.

To be clear, we’re talking about honey bees. Out of 20,000 known species of bee…there are only 7 species of honey bee. Honey bees as we know them are non-native to the US. They were imported from Europe around 400 years ago. Up until the 1980s, most bees were kept by farmers …

Interested in starting your own colony to help with the honeybee crisis? There are plenty of options available in the Bay Area.
San Francisco Bee Keeper’s Association – They have a monthly discussion group along with plenty of events. Excellent FAQ on beekeeping including detailed info on costs. You can even pick up a baseball hat.
Alameda County Bee Keeper’s Association – Weekly blog on beekeeping focused on local development.
Marin County Beekeepers – Monthly events including a newsletter.
Bay Area Beekeeping Resources – Great resource page. Where to find observation hives, where …