Bees and Things

The latest issue of "Ohio Farmer" magazine has a very interesting article in its Conservation section about pollinators.  The headline reads "Pollinators make progress." That's good news.  The main thrust of the article has to do with the USDA's 2008 Farm Bill.  That bill put new emphasis on conserving of all kinds of pollinators, not just bees.  The Natural Resource Conservation Service, part of the USDA,  in particular is working with farmers and land owners to develop pollinator conservation practices and strategies.  Since 2008 the federal government's Conservation Reserve Program has added 60,000 acres of land to pollinator habitat conservation. Locally we can get information at our county extension office or the local NRCS office or your Farm Services Administration office. The last two are located in the lower level of the Thompson Building on Columbus Ave.

The article also talks about the Xerces Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of invertebrates.  This Society began with one man's quest to save butterflies that were going extinct in Britain. It's a world wide organization now, particular popular in the US - though I challenge you to tell me you have heard of it. 

Help save endangered butterflies. Check out the Xerces Society at www.xerces.org