Bee species number in the thousands, but nearly all of their ranks are
suffering from mites, and mysterious illness know as Colony Collapse
Disorder. Vermont’s wild and cultivated bees are fairing better than
bees in other regions, but they aren’t immune to these afflictions, and
the damage to the bees can extend to agriculture and the rest of the
ecosystem. Beekeeper Bill Mares, author of "Bees Besieged," and Rowan
Jacobsen, author of the new book, "Fruitless Fall," join us to look at
the health of Vermont’s bees.
(Listen)
Also in the program, Tasha Tudor, one of the nation’s best-loved
children’s illustrators, died last week at the age of 92. The Marlboro
resident was known for her delicate images and borders, done in
watercolor and pencil, that evoked a rustic 19th century world of good
children. Amy Tudor talks with Jane Lindholm about Tasha Tudor’s legacy.
(Listen)
And get your wickets and mallets ready: a croquet league in Bennington
has begun its summer season, and we visit with enthusiasts enjoying this
pastoral pastime.(Listen)
Comments from listeners:
Annie from New Haven:
There will be a Northeast Organic Farming Association summer workshop on Planting for the Honeybees on Saturday, August 30, at Honey Gardens in Ferrisburgh, from 9-12. This will address what to plant in your own yard and garden to provide nectar and pollen for the bees.
Terry from Middlesex:
So I’ve seen 2 Ichneumon wasps in the past week. These ones had really long ovipositors. I’ve never seen them here before. Hmm….