These tiny creatures play an essential role in protecting our climate as we know it. In this article, we dive into N. Wasserstrom’s new hives, the role bees play in the environment, and what can be done to protect them.
N. Wasserstrom Joins the Hive
Not so long ago, an employee humbly suggested that N. Wasserstrom preserve the milkweed growing in their field because it’s the host plant for monarch butterflies. This simple observation catalyzed the bee preservation project and an explosion of initiatives to support local critters and provide a space for employees to commune with nature.
In April of 2024, N. Wasserstrom, in collaboration with Barley Moon Botanicals, installed three new beehives consisting of 20,000‒25,000 bees per hive. This resulted in 60,000‒75,000 bees finding a home on the N. Wasserstrom grounds. After moving in, the bees got straight to work and an early spring meant early honey! The company celebrated their first honey tasting in May.
Treva Weaver, COO, explained that this initiative is another example of how N. Wasserstrom is more than a manufacturer. The bees provide a great opportunity to become more invested in the community and environment. Of particular note, she expressed that this kind of innovative thinking illustrates N. Wasserstrom’s drive to provide trusted solutions for the future of foodservice.
N. Wasserstrom’s team plans to also plant wildflowers, trees, and native species, as well as install patio seating and garden benches. Their overall goal is to use this habitat to improve and sustain the lives of bees, butterflies, birds, bugs, groundhogs, and bats in the future. Time and time again, science has proven the multiple health benefits of human interaction with nature and N. Wasserstrom is happy to foster that connection for their associates. Their ample space includes a seven-acre lot featuring a 1/2 mile walking path.
Bees: The Unsung Climate Heroes
Bees have been nicknamed “unsung climate change heroes” due to their ability to maintain the health of a variety of ecosystems. They play essential roles in the seed production of plants in areas such as forests, prairies, and wetlands.
Bees have been around for an estimated 130 million years, appearing soon after the first flowers bloomed, and bees and flowers have been working together ever since. Bees are also essential for the survival of an often-overlooked ecosystem: grasslands.
Bees in the Grasslands
Grasslands are composed of more than just grass; they contain several species of wildflower and flowering shrubs. Without bees, these plants would reproduce slowly and die out, resulting in a loss of this ecosystem.
This loss would present a substantial problem. The grasses in grassland environments have roots that can reach over 15 feet into the soil, and most of the carbon in grasslands is stored in these deep roots. Should a fire take out these grasses, the underground carbon stores act as a second line of defense against a change in climate. Without bees to seed these plants, this second line of defense could be lost.
What Do Bees Do for Humans?
Bees contribute directly to food security. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, “one third of the world’s food production depends on bees.” When pollinators such as bees pick up and spread pollen, they are allowing plants and food crops to reproduce, providing us with our breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Aside from their agricultural benefits, bees help many humans economically. Bees have become a source of income for many people. Globally, there are approximately 100 million managed western honey bee hives, producing 1.8 billion kg of honey each year. In the United States, beekeeping has become a $624.2 million dollar industry with 16,814 employees and 14,858 businesses.
Are Bees in Danger?
There are several bee species listed as endangered according to the Endangered Species Act of 1973. In 2016, seven types of Hawaiian yellow faced bees were listed, and the rusty patched bumblebee was listed in 2017. This is the first bumblebee species to be listed as endangered.
The Center for Biological Diversity and the Bombous Pollinators Association of Law Students wants another species to be added to the list: the American bumblebee. These experts reported that the once “wide-ranging insect” has declined in abundance by 89% and has disappeared in eight states.
Bees are threatened by pesticides that kill populations and habitat loss. However, bees face a more dangerous threat: climate change.
Climate change poses a threat to bee pollination. The shift in weather patterns resulting in more powerful storms, heatwaves, snowless winters, etc., threatens bees’ homes. If their homes are taken out, bees can’t pollinate.
What Can Be Done to Help?
Thankfully, there are some things we can do to help our buzzing pollinators. We can support organizations such as Barley Moon Botanicals who aims to “promote sustainable beekeeping practices, bee removal, and to educate the public about the importance of bees as they impact the environment and mental health.”
“Bees are naturally associated with their important role in the environment and their vitality to their food sources. We celebrate this and more!” says Megan Barley. Working with these organizations offers the chance to become more educated about the importance of bees, and to interact with bees in an ethical and sustainable way. We suggest looking into initiatives in your area to get involved.
Meeting the Bees
Megan Barley enlightened us on the impact bees have on mental health as well as the environment. Similar to activities like shaping and pruning bonsai trees, “Research has shown that beekeeping reduces stress, anxiety, depression and even treats PTSD. Having bees on site, not only improves the environment within five miles, but offers employees opportunities to learn and experience in person more about the very large impact these little creatures have on our lives.”
N. Wasserstrom was fortunate to partner with Barley Moon Botanicals to install our beehives. Through their Beeyond Sustainability initiative, we were able to invest in our company, community, and environment. This partnership gives employees the opportunity for experiences like honey tastings, harvest celebrations, and hive tours. Hive Tours allow workers to “get to safely suit up to meet the bees, while we discus anxiety, wellness, and other mental health aspects.”
The Bees Knees
N. Wasserstrom is excited about welcoming these unsung climate heroes to the grounds. These insects help maintain our environment and put food on our tables. Investing in our environment is crucial to protecting what we know and love.
