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Do flowers always become a fruit or vegetable?

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Do flowers always become a fruit or vegetable?

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Abundant flowers on a fruit tree are harbingers of a good harvest. Getty

Every fruit begins with a flower, but not every flower results in a fruit. The journey from flower to fruit involves variables including weather and climate conditions that favor the development and ripening of fruits, the presence of pollinating insects and in some cases, the availability of a pollinating partner specimen. Changes in any of those variables will result in fewer flowers, fewer fruits or poorer quality fruits. Some factors, like the availability of a pollinating partner specimen, can be controlled. Others, like weather, cannot.

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Pollination

The first step in the flower-to-fruit process is pollination. Most fruit-bearing species are pollinated by insects, but birds, bats and wind can also also assist in pollination. Some species, like peaches (Prunus persica), are self-fertile, meaning that pollen from one flower on a specific tree can pollinate another flower on the same tree. Other species, like apples (Malus pumila), require the presence of several varieties of fruit trees for successful cross-pollination.

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Fertilization

When a pollinator deposits a grain of sperm-containing pollen on a flower's stigma -- part of the pistil or female reproductive organ -- the grain of pollen produces a pollen tube through which the sperm travels down the flower's hollow stile to the rounded ovary at the base. The ovary contains eggs, or ovules, which are fertilized by the sperm to form seeds. Once fertilization occurs, the petals wither, eventually falling away. The ovary, containing the fertilized ova, begins to swell into an immature fruit.

Ripening Fruits

Over the course of the growing season, the fruit swells, increasing in size and usually changing color as well. As this ripening process occurs, the young fruit is vulnerable to damage from wind, rain or hail. It may also be attacked by pests or diseases. In the wild, plants generally produce enough flowers for abundant fruiting, thereby ensuring that seed is dispersed, even if the parent plant suffers damage. Cultivated plants may be bred for increased pest and disease resistance and may also be treated with natural or man made substances to deter pests and diseases.

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Fruit Maturity

When fruit is mature, some or all of it is harvested and eaten, either by birds, animals or humans. The fruit eaten by birds and animals passes through their digestive tracts and the seeds are secreted, thereby planting a new generation of seedlings, a process that eventually leads back to the flower-to-fruit cycle. Uneaten fruits drop to the ground, where the fleshy pulp degrades, allowing the seeds to come in contact with the soil and possibly germinate.

References

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Every fruit begins with a flower, but not every flower results in a fruit. The journey from flower to fruit involves variables including weather and climate conditions that favor the development and ripening of fruits, the presence of pollinating insects and in some cases, the availability of a pollinating partner specimen.

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Today's Wonder of the Day was inspired by Lucas. Lucas Wonders, " How do bees pollinate? " Thanks for WONDERing with us, Lucas!

Have you ever heard someone say that bees are responsible for one of every three bites of food you eat? That's an estimate-it's impossible to exactly. However, it's clear that bees play a role in food production . They are excellent pollinators!

Most food crops-including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds-must go through pollination. That's the process of moving tiny cells between plants to help them make seeds.

How does pollination happen? It's mainly accomplished by insects. And, of all the insects that plants and flowers, bees are by far the most important. They spend most of their lives collecting . It's a primary source of that they feed to their young.

When bees land on flowers, the hairs on their legs attract cells through a force like static electricity. The bees store some of this to take back to their nests. Other bits of it get left on other flowers, completing the process of pollination.

The flowers also reward the bees for their hard work. They produce sweet that gives bees the they need to live their busy lives. In fact, you've probably heard the phrase "busy bee" in the past. That certainly holds true when you think about the important job they do for flowers and crops.

How many flowers can a bee in one day? About 5,000! If you think that's amazing, consider this: To make one pound of honey, a hive of bees must travel over 55,000 miles and visit two million flowers!

Yes, bees certainly are busy. And today, they face many threats to their survival. Where would our world be without these hard-working furry insects? We'd rather not find out!

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Today's Wonder of the Day was inspired by Lucas. Lucas Wonders, " How do bees pollinate? " Thanks for WONDERing with us, Lucas! Have you ever heard someone say that bees are responsible for one of every three bites of food you eat? That's an estimate-it's impossible to exactly.

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Many people enjoy spending long summer evenings sitting in their gardens, watching as daylight turns to dusk and bats begin to fill the night sky.

These small and fascinating creatures often live in close proximity to us, using our gardens as an important source of food, water and shelter. As their natural habitats become more scarce, our gardens are playing a more important role in securing a future for bats.

Bats are a sign of a green and healthy environment, so creating a garden that's good for bats will also be good for people.

Once you have successfully attracted bats to your garden, there are many ways you can enjoy your new visitors and get more involved.

Find out about different types of bat detectors,which can help you identify the species you have attracted to your garden.

You may wish to count bats for BCT as part of our National Bat Monitoring Programme, which keeps track of UK bat populations and helps to inform our conservation work.

Why not join the Bat Conservation Trust and become part of a national community of bat enthusiasts?

You could also get involved with your local bat group - there are more than 100 local groups across the UK that are made up of volunteers who are passionate about bats.

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Gardening for bats - Advice - Bat Conservation Trust

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Many people enjoy spending long summer evenings sitting in their gardens, watching as daylight turns to dusk and bats begin to fill the night sky. These small and fascinating creatures often live in close proximity to us, using our gardens as an important source of food, water and shelter.

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Do all flowers become fruits and vegetables?

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Do all flowers become fruits and vegetables?

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What is Fruit, Really? - Tony Wright: Pt. 1

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source: Twinkl

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Make Your Own Butterfly Garden Outdoor Activity

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source: Twinkl

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Make a Bee-Friendly Herb Garden Adult Guidance

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Bees are part of the biodiversity on which we all depend for our survival.

They provide high-quality food-honey, royal jelly and pollen - and other products such as beeswax, propolis and honey bee venom.

As the landmark 2019 report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) notes, "Sacred passages about bees in all the worlds' major religions highlight their significance to human societies over millennia."

Beekeeping also provides an important source of income for many rural livelihoods. According to IPBES, the western honey bee is the most widespread managed pollinator globally, and more than 80 million hives produce an estimated 1.6 million tonnes of honey annually.

And pollinators contribute directly to food security. According to bee experts at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, a third of the world's food production depends on bees.

When animals and insects pick up the pollen of flowers and spread it, they allow plants, including many food crops, to reproduce. Birds, rodents, monkeys and even people pollinate, but the most common pollinators are insects, and among them, bees.
Bees at risk from pesticides, air pollution
But sadly, bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats and hummingbirds, are increasingly under threat from human activities.

Bee populations have been declining globally over recent decades due to habitat loss, intensive farming practices, changes in weather patterns and the excessive use of agrochemicals such as pesticides. This in turn poses a threat to a variety of plants critical to human well-being and livelihoods.

Air pollution is also thought to be affecting bees. Preliminary research shows that air pollutants interact with scent molecules released by plants which bees need to locate food. The mixed signals interfere with the bees' ability to forage efficiently, making them slower and less effective at pollination.

While the vast majority of pollinator species are wild, including more than 20,000 species of bees, the mass breeding and large-scale transport of pollinators can pose risks for the transmission of pathogens and parasites. According to the IPBES report, better regulation of their trade can decrease the risk of unintended harm.
Taking urgent action
But there are positive signs.

In May 2018, the European Union upheld a partial ban on three insecticides known as neonicotinoids to mitigate the lethal threat they pose to bees and their trickle-down effect on pollination as a whole.

This August, when world leaders gather in Kunming, China, at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP 15), they are expected to finalize the post-2020 biodiversity framework, which calls for, amongst other things, the reduction of pesticides by at least two thirds by 2030.

"Increasing crop and regional farm diversity as well as targeted habitat conservation, management or restoration, is one way of combating climate change and promoting biodiversity," says UN Environment Programme (UNEP) biodiversity specialist Marieta Sakalian. "Governments need to take the lead."

It is precisely to encourage governments, organizations, civil society and concerned citizens to protect pollinators and their habitats that the UN has declared 20 May World Bee Day.

World Bee Day raises awareness of the essential role bees, and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy. The date coincides with the birthday of Anton Janša, who in the 18th century pioneered modern beekeeping techniques in his native Slovenia and praised the bees for their ability to work so hard while needing so little attention.

For further information please contact Marieta Sakalian, Senior Programme Management Officer and Coordinator for Healthy and Productive Ecosystems at UNEP.
This World Bee Day, join the conversation on Here are some actions you can take to help preserve bees and other pollinators: #WorldBeeDay, and do your part to #Savethebees

Plant nectar-bearing flowers such as marigolds or sunflowers for decorative purposes on balconies, terraces, and gardens

Buy honey and other hive products from your nearest local beekeeper

Raise awareness among children and adolescents on the importance of bees and express your support for beekeepers

Set up a pollinator farm on your balcony, terrace, or garden

Preserve old meadows, which feature a more diverse array of flowers, and sow nectar-bearing plants

Cut grass on meadows only after the nectar-bearing plants have finished blooming

Use pesticides that do not harm bees, and spray them in windless weather, either early in the morning or late at night, when bees withdraw from blossoms

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Why bees are essential to people and planet

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When animals and insects pick up the pollen of flowers and spread it, they allow plants, including many food crops, to reproduce. Birds, rodents, monkeys and even people pollinate, but the most common pollinators are insects, and among them, bees.

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How do plants make fruits and vegetables?

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How do plants make fruits and vegetables?

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Today's Wonder of the Day was inspired by Amelia. Amelia Wonders, " Who were the nethanderals? " Thanks for WONDERing with us, Amelia!

Have you ever taken the time to look at the wide of fresh fruits and vegetables at most grocery ? In addition to the and of canned and boxed foods, most grocery have a large section with everything from apples to zucchini.

If you're like most kids, you probably like a lot of different fruits. From apple slices and watermelon to oranges and pineapples, there seems to be a fruit to every sweet tooth.

There are just as many vegetables to choose from, although vegetables tend to get a bad rap from some kids. Even if Brussels sprouts and broccoli aren't your favorites, we bet that potatoes put a smile on your face.

The of different types of fruits and vegetables is impressive . That's great, since experts recommend a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, since most of them tend to be high in vitamins and minerals. Where do all of these healthy foods come from?

The answer is simple: plants! Since fruits and vegetables both come from plants, it's logical to WONDER how they're different from each other.

Fruits contain seeds and develop from the ovaries of flowering plants. The first step in making fruits is pollination . Fruit trees and plants flowers. Then, bees, bats, birds, and even the wind spread pollen from one flower to another.

This sets off the second step, the process of fertilization , which results in a fertilized seed contained within the flower's ovary. Once this happens, the petals of the flower will fall away, leaving an fruit that begins to grow.

Inside the ovary, the seed produces hormones that cause the cells of the ovary wall to multiply, expand, and thicken. Over the growing season, the "mother" plant receives sunlight, water, and nutrients from the soil to keep growing, helping the fruit to continue growing larger.

Eventually, the fruit will release a called ethylene that signals the ripening process. Ethylene causes enzymes to be released that make the fruit change colors and become softer, sweeter, and to eat!

Vegetables, on the other hand, are all the other parts of a plant, including roots (carrots, potatoes, and turnips), bulbs (onions), and stems (celery). Vegetables are also leaves (lettuce, spinach, and kale), stalks (asparagus and corn), and flower buds (broccoli and cauliflower).

In addition to sunlight, water, and proper temperature, plants need certain nutrients from the soil to grow these different vegetable parts. For example, plants need potassium for root development, nitrogen for healthy leaves, and phosphorus for flower development.

A lot of work goes into forming fruits and vegetables, and this Wonder of the Day just scratches the surface! The next time you are at the grocery store, we hope you'll try to envision what those fruits and vegetables in the section looked like when they were growing as plants!

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How Do Plants Make Fruits and Vegetables?

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Today's Wonder of the Day was inspired by Amelia. Amelia Wonders, " Who were the nethanderals? " Thanks for WONDERing with us, Amelia! Have you ever taken the time to look at the wide of fresh fruits and vegetables at most grocery ?

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Pollinators need you. You need pollinators.

Without the actions of pollinators, agricultural economies, our food supply, and surrounding landscapes would collapse.

Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and other small mammals that pollinate plants are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food. They also sustain our ecosystems and produce our natural resources by helping plants reproduce.

Pollinating animals travel from plant to plant carrying pollen on their bodies in a vital interaction that allows the transfer of genetic material critical to the reproductive system of most flowering plants - the very plants that

bring us countless fruits, vegetables, and nuts,

½ of the world's oils, fibers and raw materials;

prevent soil erosion,

and increase carbon sequestration

This nearly invisible ecosystem service is a precious resource that requires attention and support - - and in disturbing evidence found around the globe, is increasingly in jeopardy. Pollinator Partnership (P2) urges you know how this system supports you, and how your actions can help support healthy and sustainable pollination.

What is pollination?

When a pollen grain moves from the anther (male part) of a flower to the stigma (female part), pollination happens. This is the first step in a process that produces seeds, fruits, and the next generation of plants. This can happen through self-pollination, wind and water pollination, or through the work of vectors that move pollen within the flower and from bloom to bloom.

Who are the pollinators?

Birds, bats, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, small mammals, and most importantly, bees are pollinators. They visit flowers to drink nectar or feed off of pollen and transport pollen grains as they move from spot to spot.

Why are pollinators important?

Somewhere between 75% and 95% [ 1] of all flowering plants on the earth need help with pollination - they need pollinators. Pollinators provide pollination services to over 180,000 different plant species and more than 1200 crops. That means that 1 out of every three bites of food you eat is there because of pollinators [ 2, 3]. If we want to talk dollars and cents, pollinators add 217 billion dollars to the global economy [ 4, 5], and honey bees alone are responsible for between 1.2 and 5.4 billion dollars in agricultural productivity in the United States [ 6]. In addition to the food that we eat, pollinators support healthy ecosystems that clean the air, stabilize soils, protect from severe weather, and support other wildlife [ 7].

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THEIR STATUS?

Pollinator populations are changing. Many pollinator populations are in decline and this decline is attributed most severely to a loss in feeding and nesting habitats [ 8, 9]. Pollution, the misuse of chemicals, disease, and changes in climatic patterns are all contributing to shrinking and shifting pollinator populations. In some cases there isn't enough data to gauge a response, and this is even more worrisome.

How can you help?

Pollinators need help, but we know how to help them! P2 scientists and research partners that have been studying pollinators for over three decades have been able to show that conservation techniques work. If everyone - home owners, local governments, national governments, and private industry - made the effort we could change the future for pollinators and secure our own.

HABITAT AREA COUNTS

Make room for pollinators on your land

Adding natural habitat areas into farm systems works. Farms that are closer to natural habitat produce more crop yield [ 9] because they attract more pollinators [ 10]. Adding habitat to farms systems works too - farms that have turned a potion of their fields into green space have gained back more overall yield [ 11]. Home owners can help too! Home gardens can and do attract pollinators [ 12], and in many cases suburbs and cities have been shown to have more diverse pollinator communities than nearby wildlands [ 13, 14]. Pollinators don't seem to be phased by city life, as long as there are plots and patches of flowers they will be visited by hungry bees [ 15, 16]. Pollinator gardening near community gardens also increases urban agricultural yields [ 17]. If you build it, they will come and help you get bigger and better crops too!

PLANT THE RIGHT PLANTS

Research has shown that local native pollinators prefer local native plants [18, 19].

Fortunately P2 has complied planting guides that helps you select the right plant for the right spot [ 20]. Plant the right plants on highway rights of ways, farms, schools, home gardens, corporate landscapes and on public spaces. It really will matter for all of us.

DON'T STOP THERE!

Spread the word about the importance of pollinators.

Support Farmers and Beekeepers by buying local honey and locally produced organic foods.

Donate to support Researchers so that they can help fill in the blanks, the more we know the more we can help the bees!

Join Pollinator Partnership as a member.

The Supporting Science

1. Ollerton J, Winfree R, and Tarrant S (2011) How many flowering plants are pollinated by animals? Oikos 120:321-326.

2. Klein AM., Vaissiere B, Cane JH, Steffan-Dewenter I, Cunningham SA, Kremen C (2007) Importance of crop pollinators in changing landscapes for world crops. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 274: 303-313;

3. Buchmann S, Nabhan GP (1996) The Forgotten Pollinators. Island Press, New York.

4. Gallai N, Salles JM, Settele J, Vaissiere BE (2009) Economic valuation of the vulnerability of world agriculture confronted with pollinator decline. Ecological Economics 68:810-821

5. Losey JE, Vaughan M (2006) The economic value of ecological services provided by Insects. Bioscience 56: 311-323.

6. Southwick EE, Southwick L (1999) Estimating the Economic Value of Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) as Agricultural Pollinators in the United States. Journal of Economic Entomology 85:(3):13

7. Costanza R, d'Arge R, de Groot R, Faber S, Grasso M, Hannon B, Limburg K, Naeem S, O'Neill RV, Paruelo J, Raskin RG, Sutton P, and van den Belt M. 1997. The value of the world's ecosystem services and natural capital. Nature 387:254-260.

8. National Research Council of the National Academies (2006) Status of Pollinators in North America. National Academy Press, Washington, DC.

9. Kremen C, Williams NM, Thorp RW (2002) Crop pollination from native bees at risk from agricultural intensification. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA. 99:16812-16816.

10. Klein AM., Vaissiere B, Cane JH, Steffan-Dewenter I, Cunningham SA, Kremen C (2007) Importance of crop pollinators in changing landscapes for world crops. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 274: 303-313.

11. Morandin L, Winston ML (2005) Pollinators provide economic incentive to preserve natural land in agroecosystems. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 116(3-4):289-292

12. Matteson KC, Ascher JS, Langellotto GA (2008) Bee richness and abundance in New York City urban gardens. Annual Reviews of the Entomological Society of America 101:140-150

13. Winfree R, Griswold T, Kremen C (2007) Effect of human disturbance on bee communities in a forested ecosystem. Conservation Biology 21:213-223

14. Cane J, Minckley R, Kervin L, Roulston T, Williams N (2006) Complex responses within a desert bee guild (hymenoptera: apiformes) to urban habitat fragmentation. Ecological Applications 16:632-644

15. Wojcik VA, McBride JR (2011) Common factors influence bee foraging in urban and wildland landscapes. Urban Ecosystems, DOI 10.1007/s11252-011-0211-6.

16. Wojcik, VA (2011) Resource abundance and distribution drive bee visitation within developing tropical urban landscapes. Journal of Pollination Ecology. 4(7): 48-56, http://www.pollinationecology.org/articles/jpe_2011_vol_4_48.pdf

17. Werrell PA, Langellotto GA, Morath SU, Matteson KC (2009) The Influence of Garden Size and Floral Cover on Pollen Deposition in Urban Community Gardens. Cities and the Environment. 2 (1) http://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/cate/vol2/iss1/6/

18. Frankie GW, Thorp RW, Schindler M, Hernandez JL, Ertter B, Rizzardi M (2005) Ecological patterns of bees and their host ornamental flowers in two northern California cities. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 78:227-246;

19. Frankie GW, Thorp RW, Hernandez JL, Rizzardi M, Ertter B, Pawelek JC, Witt SL, Schindler M, Coville R, Wojcik VA (2009) Native bees are a rich natural resource in urban California gardens. California Agriculture 63:113-120

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The Pollinator Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and the largest in the world dedicated exclusively to the protection and promotion of ...

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Kids Learn Why Bees Are Awesome | National Geographic

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Parts of Flower  | Pollination Video | Video for Kids

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Flowers and Their Pollinators: A Perfect Match! | Spring is Here! | SciShow Kids

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Article: Pointers for Planning a Garden that will Atrract Pollinators

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Article: Pointers for Planning a Garden that will Atrract Pollinators

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Pollinator Friendly Cookbook

Looking to support pollinators while mastering your cooking skills? Check out the Pollinator Partnership Pollinator Friendly Cookbook! This resource encourages folks to explore new recipes featuring ingredients that rely on pollination services.

Food is a basic human need, and without pollinators, humans would go hungry! Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, flies, and small animals that pollinate plants are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food. Pollinating animals travel from plant to plant carrying pollen on their bodies in a vital interaction that allows the transfer of genetic material critical to the reproductive system of most flowering plants. With the decline of pollinators on the rise, our food is on the line. More than 200,000 species of pollinators are critical to the stability of our food supply. Use this cookbook to create culinary masterpieces that honor pollinators and the work that they do!

List of Pollinated Foods

ALFALFA: leafcutter bees and honey bees

ALMOND: honey bees

ANISE: honey bee

APPLE: honey bees, blue mason orchard bees

APRICOT: bees

AVOCADO: bees, flies, bats

BANANA: birds, fruit bats

BLUEBERRY: Over 115 kinds of bees, including bumblebees, mason bees, mining bees and leafcutter bees

CARDAMOM: honey bees, solitary bees

CASHEW: bees, moths, fruit bats

CHERRY: honey bees, Bumblebees, Solitary bees, flies

CHOCOLATE: midges (flies), stingless bees

COCONUT: insects and fruit bats

COFFEE: stingless bees, other bees or flies

CORIANDER: honey bees, solitary bees

CRANBERRY: Over 40 native bees, including bumble

DAIRY PRODUCTS: Diary cows eat ALFALFA pollinated by leafcutter and honey bees

FIG: 800 kinds of fig wasps

GRAPE: bees

GRAPEFRUIT: bees

KI WIFRUIT: honey bees, bumblebees, solitary bees

MACADAMIA NUT: bees, beetles, wasps

MANGO: bees, flies, wasps

MELON: bees

NUTMEG: honey bees, bird

PAPAYA: moths, birds, bees

PEACH: bees

PEAR: honey bees, flies, mason bees

PEPPERMINT: flies, bees

PUMPKIN: squash and gourd bees, bumblebees

RASPBERRY and BLACKBERRY: honey bees, bumblebees, solitary bees, hover flies

SESAME: bees, flies, wasps

STRAWBERRY: bees

SUGARCANE: bees, thrips

TEA PLANTS: flies, bees and other insects

TEQUILA (AGAVE): bats

TOMATO: bumble bees

VANILLA: bees

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Did you know that honeybees are responsible for 1 in every 3 bites of food we eat? That's right! They're the world's busiest pollinators, with a really big job to do. Honeybees pollinate more than 100 types of crops in the U.S., help maintain the diversity of plant life and ultimately, play a crucial role in our ecosystem.

Unfortunately, it's getting tougher for honeybees to survive. Their population is dwindling due to loss of habitat, pesticide and insecticide use, and parasites.

Humans benefit greatly from a healthy honeybee population. Because the future of food depends on healthy pollinators, it's time for everyone - even the kids! - to make honeybees a priority.
Q: Why are bees Important?
Honeybees are vital to our supply of healthy foods. Honeybees are pollinators, which means they travel from plant to plant to collect and deposit pollen - which makes it possible for many flowers, fruits and vegetables to reproduce. Bees also pollinate the clover and alfalfa that cows eat. In fact, one in every three bites of food you eat depends on pollination, either directly or indirectly. So, if these hardworking bees and other pollinators disappear, many of our favorite foods like apples, almonds, strawberries and tomatoes will be greatly affected.

Q: Why are bee populations declining?

A: There has been a noticeable and steady decline in the bee population, which scientists and beekeepers believe may be caused by a combination of factors, including parasites, loss of habitat and increased exposure to pesticides and insecticides. Although the problem is complex, it's not too late to help preserve pollinators - and secure the future of food.
Q: What can we do to help honeybee populations?
A: Plenty! Here are six simple ways you can help these vitally important insects thrive - right in your own backyard.

1. Go wild. Let part of your lawn grow without mowing. Bees love flowering weeds and grasses.

2. Grow native plants. A patch of wildflowers will add color and a nectar source for bees. Cultivate a landscape with diverse colors, shapes, sizes and bloom times. Don't have a yard? Grow pollinator-friendly plants in an outdoor space in your city. (Bzzt: Seed flings are perfect for tossing into abandoned lots or other urban greenspaces. Want to learn how to make one? Download our Inside the Buzz At-Home Guide to find out how.)

3. Create a bee "pond." Bees can't swim or get their wings wet, but they need water, too! Try filling a shallow pie pan with pebbles and water, so bees have somewhere to land and sip some H2O. Bonus: no cleaning required! Bees actually love "dirty" water, which is why they love the water that gathers in saucers under flower pots.

4. Ditch the harmful sprays. The sprays we tend to use on plants and veggies hurt the good bugs and keep us from getting the nutrients we need. Care for your lawn and garden organically and explore alternatives like incorporating plants that attract beneficial insects for pest control. Try a sprinkling of cayenne pepper around pestered plants. Sometimes the best method is to pick unwanted bugs right off!

5. Buy local, organic produce. Support farmers who are doing their best to support bees. Anytime you choose organic food, you know pesticides that can harm our pollinators were not used. Bee on the lookout for a rainbow of veggies and fruits, which contain nutrients that can help our bodies stay healthy - all brought to you by bees! And don't forget to buy local honey! You'll help support a thriving local honeybee ecology, which means that more food can be grown locally.

6. Please don't swat! Honeybees very rarely sting, but they can be be curious creatures. If a honeybee approaches you, be still as she checks to see if you have any nectar. Once she knows you're not a flower, she'll buzz along. While other kinds of insects can sting, like wasps and yellow jackets, they look very different from honeybees. Learn how to recognize honeybees so you'll know they mean no harm. Once you know what a honeybee looks like, help your friends learn, too!

BONUS: get kids buzzing! Spark their curiosity and awareness of pollinators' importance through family-friendly activities on our website, including projects, videos, coloring sheets and more. Check out crafts like building a pollinator puppet or bee colony, reading guides with follow-up activities and recipes, too.

Q. How Can We Engage Our Communities?

A: Check out The Bee Grant program, which allows for schools and nonprofit organizations to receive support for educational beehives. Through the grant, children can observe bees up close and learn about the critical role these pollinators play in our food system and ecosystem as a whole.

For this grant, we partner with The Bee Cause Project, a nonprofit organization that empowers students, teachers and community members to experience the wonder, ingenuity, beauty and power of the honey bee while developing STEAM skills.

To date, The Bee Grant program has provided hives for more than 500 schools, but there are thousands more students waiting for the same opportunity.

During National Pollinator Month in June, the #GiveBeesAChance campaign aims to raise funds to provide new beehives to schools and nonprofits across the U.S. and Canada. Donate to the #GivesBeesAChance campaign and help bring educational beehives to more schools, so more kids can learn about the vital role pollinators play in our ecosystem.

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Did you know that honeybees are responsible for 1 in every 3 bites of food we eat? That's right! They're the world's busiest pollinators, with a really big job to do. Honeybees pollinate more than 100 types of crops in the U.S., help maintain the diversity of plant life and ultimately, play a crucial role in our ecosystem.

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source: Newsela

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There is no life without bees

Bees are some of the most important pollinators, ensuring food and food security, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity, and they significantly contribute to the mitigation of climate change and the conservation of the environment. In the long-term, the protection of bees and the beekeeping sector can help reduce poverty and hunger, as well as preserve a healthy environment and biodiversity.

Bees are also important in terms of sustainable agriculture and creating rural jobs. By pollinating, they increase agricultural production, thus maintaining diversity and variety in our fields and on our plates. In addition, they provide millions of people with jobs and are an important source of farmers' income.

Today, every third spoonful of food depends on pollination, and bee products are a rich source of essential nutrients.

Nevertheless, scientific studies show that there are more and more negative effects on the health of bees, which makes them increasingly endangered. This, in turn, requires us to take extra care of their survival, as harmful factors cause a decline in the resistance of bees, which affects their susceptibility to diseases, pests and the like. In addition, this is also problematic in terms of the protection and preservation of the environment, as bees foster biodiversity in nature and have a positive impact on the entire ecosystem and are a good indicator of the state of the environment. As a result, in 2011 Slovenia became one of the first countries in the EU to prohibit the use of certain pesticides most harmful to bees.

"To talk about reducing world hunger without ensuring conditions for the existence of bees and other pollinators is to pull the wool over people's eyes. It is time for everyone to listen to bees, in particular leaders and decision-makers. From now on, 20 May will be a worldwide celebration of bees and beekeepers. I believe that with the proclamation of World Bee Day, the world will begin to think more broadly about bees, in particular in the context of ensuring the conditions for their survival, and thus for the survival of the human race", said Boštjan Noč, initiator of World Bee Day and president of the Slovenian Beekeepers' Association.

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Slovenia proposed that the United Nations (UN) proclaim 20 May as World Bee Day. On 20 December 2017, following three years of international efforts, the UN Member States unanimously approved Slovenia's proposal and 20 May was proclaimed World Bee Day.

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Fun Bee Facts for Kids, Parents and Teacher

Most of us are afraid of bees. In fact, a single bee can ruin an entire summer day. But should we be so scared of these important insects? Let's learn some fun bee information for kids.

There are about 20,000 different types of bees in the world.

Only female bees sting!

A bee's stinger is part of their reproductive design. Only the queen can use it for reproduction, but all female bees can sting.

A queen bee can be hard to distinguish from the colony, but has distinct features like size, color, pollen baskets, and antennae.

Bee venom is stored in a sack attached to the singer.

Bees can see all colors except the color red.

Their sense of smell (along with their sight) helps them find flowers they need to collect pollen, which is their preferred food source.

They carry pollen on their legs and body from flower to flower.

Bees can drop pollen while they're flying, which helps pollinate other flowers and plants. This creates symbiosis and allows plants to keep growing, which keeps our air breathable. We need bees in order to survive!

Some bees of course also eat honey! Honey bees make honey and use it to feed their young and so they have something to eat during the winter, when they can't get pollen from flowers as easily.

Honey bees make honey by following a lengthy 10-step process!

The buzz you hear around a bee is the sound of their wings beating thousands of times per minute.

Smoke can calm bees. Beekeepers use this to keep bees calm when collecting honey or moving a hive.

Hives have queen bees, worker bees, and drone bees.

Queens and worker bees are all female. Drone bees are all male.

A drone bee's only job is to mate with the queen to create new bees.

Worker bees clean the hive, collect pollen and nectar to feed to the whole colony, and take care of the babies.

Watch a bald-faced hornet face off with a yellowjacket in episode 1 of Bug Battles!

Bumblebee Facts for Kids

Bumblebees can be scary, but they are very beneficial for the planet. They pollinate crops and plants, which allow plants to continue growing, which allow us to have air to breathe. No bumblebees, no humans.

They are very social bees. They live in large "families". Unlike honey bees, bumblebees can sting more than once, because their stingers are smooth and do not get caught in the skin when they fly away. Read on to learn more facts about bumblebees for kids. You can also learn how to make a paper plate bumblebee!

What Do Bumblebees Eat?:

Bumblebees eat pollen and nectar. Worker bees gather this from flowers and bring it back to the colony to feed to the other bees and to the .

Where Do Bumblebees Live?:

Bumblebees live around patio areas, decks, attics, or under roof beams. But would it surprise you to know that bumblebees often instead nest in the ground?

If you see a hive in a tree, it is probably not bumblebees. But just like other bees, if they are disturbed, bumblebees will buzz loudly, and they will defend their nests. That means stings.

Can Bumblebees Harm You?:

The bumblebee sting is one of the most painful types of stings. Swelling and irritation can last for days after you are stung. Additionally, they can sting multiple times in a row, versus other bees that die after stinging.

Bumblebees will defend their nests if disturbed. They can chase nest invaders for long distances, following you until they attack.

What to Do If a Bumblebee is Near You:

Don't panic when you see a bumblebee. Trying to squish it or shoo it away could cause it to sting you to protect itself. Instead, stay still and hope that it goes away.

If you see a number of bumblebees near you, observe from a safe distance and be sure to tell an adult. No one in your household should try to remove a bumblebee nest on their own. It's better to contact a pest control professional who knows how to rid you of bumblebees safely. More information can be found about bumblebees and how to get rid of them at the official National Pest Management Association website.d be sure to tell an adult.

Also learn how to make a bumblebee bookmark and a paperplate bumblebee!

Honey Bee Facts for Kids

Honey bees live in large "families" and can be found all over the world. The honey bee is the only social insect whose colony can survive many years. This is because they have a plan to survive winter months. They huddle together and eat honey when its cold out and most flowers are dead.

Honey bees pollinate flowers and plants to feed themselves and help those plants grow. They pollinate more than 100 crops in the U.S.

Unlike bumblebees, which can sting multiple times, honey bees can only sting once. Their stingers are barbed and tear off when they try to get away. This kills them. They also flap their wings 11,000 times per minute. This is why it sounds like they are "buzzing".

What Do Honey Bees Eat?:

Honey bees eat honey! They make honey from the pollen and nectar they collect from plants and bring back to their colony. They store the honey in honeycombs in their nests, which they use in the colder months.

Where Do Honey Bees Live?:

Honey bees typically live in tree crevices, but will occasionally build nests in attics or chimneys. Nests vary in size depending on how big the colony is.

How Do Honey Bees Impact Humans?:

Honey bees do sting. They can only sting once, but the stings can be extremely painful if the stinger is not immediately removed from the skin. People who are allergic to insect stings will have an even more severe reaction.

There is a chance that honey bees could build their nest in your home, likely somewhere high. This can pose a real threat if not immediately dealt with by a pest control professional.

What to Do If a Bumblebee is Near You:

Don't panic or make sudden movements if you are near a honey bee. Yelling, moving suddenly, or trying to hit a bumblebee can actually cause it to sting you. Staying still might allow it to explore and then leave without issue.

If you find a nest in or near your home, contact a pest control professional immediately. You don't want someone in your house trying to handle it on their own and getting hurt. You can visit the honey bee page of the official National Pest Management Association website to learn more.

Carpenter Bee Information for Kids

Carpenter bees get their name from their habit of working with wood. But instead of building things with wood like human carpenters, these bees destroy wood by drilling holes into them to make their homes. Unlike some other types of bees, carpenter bees prefer to live alone instead of in big colonies and hives. Their stingers are not barbed like honey bee stingers are, which means they can sting over and over again.

What Do Carpenter Bees Eat?:

While carpenter bees are known for chewing wood, they don't actually eat any of that wood. Like other bees, carpenter bees eat pollen and nectar from flowers and plants.

Where Do Carpenter Bees Live?:

Carpenter bees drill through and live in soft woods to lay eggs and protect their larvae as they develop. Female carpenter bees will chew a tunnel into a piece of wood to build a nest gallery. The bits of wood she chews and deposits outside the nest are called "frass".

The tunnel openings usually look about one or two inches deep, but they can be up to 10 feet long! These tunnels usually have several rooms where the bees hold their eggs and food. It's like little homes within your home! But while that's certainly cool, it can also cause damage to your structure.

What Do Carpenter Bees Do to Humans?:

Carpenter bees are helpful to humans because they pollinate plants that can be ignored by honey bees, allowing for the spread of more pollen. However, drilling into the wood in your home is harmful to humans since it can potentially cause damage. Therefore, as soon as you see a carpenter bee, you want to make sure you tell a grown-up so they can call a pest control professional to make sure everything is safe.

What to Do If You See a Carpenter Bee:

The good news is, since carpenter bees like to be alone, seeing one doesn't mean you have a hive in or near your home. But you still want to have a pest control professional inspect the area to make sure there aren't any problems. You may want to study the bee, but be sure to keep a safe distance and avoid scaring it, since they do sting. You can learn more about carpenter bees at the official National Pest Management Association website.

Killer Bee Facts for Kids and Adults

You could easily mistake an Africanized "killer" bee for a regular honey bee, as they look very similar. But they do have different wing measurements. Also, though the name "killer" bee sounds scary, their venom is no more dangerous than a honey bee's. However, they do tend to attack in larger numbers, which does make them more dangerous to humans, especially those who are allergic to bee stings.

Africanized killer bees can only sting once because their stingers are barbed and tear off when they try to get away. Despite their name, they can be found in South America and the Western and Southern United States.

What Do Killer Bees Eat?:

Like all bees, killer bees eat pollen and nectar from flowers and plants. They carry it from flower to flower and bring it home to their colonies.

Where Do Killer Bees Live?:

Killer bee colonies are fairly small. This allows them to build nests in some unique places. Killer bees can live inside tires, crates, boxes and empty cars.

What Does a Killer Bee Do to You?:

A single killer bee poses the same threat as a honey bee. They can sting you once, and the sting may be painful, but unless you have an allergy, there likely won't be any serious or lasting concern. Where the greater risk comes in, especially those who are allergic, is that killer bees can attack in greater numbers, resulting in more stings.

What to Do If You Find Killer Bees:

If you see one, there's a chance there are more. If you are chased by killer bees, run in a zigzag pattern and seek shelter in a house or car. Do not jump in the water! These bees can be very patient, and will wait around until you come up for air.

To learn more about Africanized killer bees or for information on how to get rid of killer bees in your home, review the additional information available on the Africanized killer bee page of the official National Pest Management Association website.

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Did you know that bees can see all colors except the color red? Find more fun facts about honey bees and bumblebees for kids in our student pest guide.

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Kids Are Abuzz with Activities to help Save Bees

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Kids Are Abuzz with Activities to help Save Bees

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Kids are abuzz with activities to help save bees