Save the Bees

We all know that Bees are facing major threats, such as, habitat loss, disease, climate change and pesticides. Without these glorious pollinators we would lose much of our food source. Animal pollinators such as Bees, Birds, Butterflies, and Bats are essential for the reproduction of nearly 85% of the worlds flowering plants. "The most important of these are Bees, making them, essential to the entire fabric of life on the planet." says Scott Black, the Executive Director of Xerces Society. 

Researchers noted the greatest declines in areas like

 the Midwest and California's Central Valley, 

where farmers grow crops that rely most heavily on Bees,

 including apples, almonds, peaches, and blueberries.

That means for us a less stable food supply and

 more expensive prices.

A common sight that Spring is here in our area

There are a bounty of native Bees

How Can We Help The Bees?

First they LOVE Sunflowers!

Plant some if you can along with native plants.

Native plants require less maintenance for you.

Eliminate pesticides which kill Bees directly.

Provide water and mud.

Some bees use mud to build their nests.

Plant pollen and nectar rich plants in a group

 so Bees can find them.  Include Wildflowers.

Make a Mason Bee Lodge

Solitary bees, like Mason bees are excellent pollinators, but they sometimes struggle to find nesting sites. A home-made nest looks attractive and provides them with a home, as well as ensuring bumper vegetable harvests. Hang your bee hotel in the shade and in an out of the way spot.

Use an old terra cotta pot, old bamboo pieces,

play dough and a roll of florist wire. 

Thread a piece of long wire thru the pots 

bottom hole and around to the outside to 

make a loop for it would hang by. 
Press the play dough (or you can use modeling clay)

 into the bottom of the pot. Cut the bamboo to size 

and press each one into the clay.

Hang it in your garden by a shepherds hook.

You can also embellish if you'd like. 

Cheerios is even helping out!!

www.cheerios.com/bringbackthebees 
(Please Feel Free to Share)

Order yours now!

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Update

#BringBacktheBees

Wow! 

We’ve exceeded our goal of giving away 100 million seeds—10 times over! But after giving away a 1.5 billion seeds, we’re all out. Thanks for your support and keep us posted on your pledge to plant using #BringBackTheBees.

I'm so sorry they ran out. :'(

Newman ~ An Island No More - Almost

Between the heavy rainfall and the release of water reservoirs from up north, Newman Ca. became just about an island for some time. Only one road open created a single way in or out. 

All other road were closed due to flooding.

Major flooding.

This became an all to familiar sight. 

The San Joaquin and Merced Rivers join just on the out

 skirts of Newman and over flowed their banks at points. 

There were the canals and levees that gave at pints also.

We all know what power water can have.

The signs finally came down and 

most roads have opened.

Here are some photos after the water 

has receded from the road.

Northbound on Hills Ferry Rd. 

which turns into Kelly Rd.

Where you could once see prime farmland as

 far as your eye could see, 

now you see what looks like a huge lake.

Don't think their gate will open for a while.

How long will this take to dry out enough to farm again?

No shoulder in some areas. 

The water comes right up to the roads edge.

Their front pasture has turned 

into lake front property?

Southbound on Kelly Rd. 

which turns into Hills Ferry Rd.

Don't think Rooster Ranch Sportsman Club 

will open for a while ~

Fisherman's Bend flooded

Hills Ferry Raceway has been turned into a lake also.

It will dry up and Newman will go prevail.

3rd flood since 1994.

Luckily we are on high enough ground, 

but I feel for the farmers, town and all who were affected.