The Bee Digest

Kierree Kalmashon

The understanding and awareness of pollinators in our environment has grown over the last ten years. People understand that insects, birds, and mammals that function as pollinators can vary depending upon where we residearound the world, but all share the common goal of transferring pollen from plant to plant. Insects make up the bulk of pollinators and are essential to the health of our community and ecosystem. How can we get Coloradans to be aware of the importance of our native bees and ways we can support their existence?  

Much of what we know is based on the popularity of European honeybees. While contributing to creating honey and being seen as a helpful pollinator, they don't provide the specialization needed to pollinate a broad range of plants native to Colorado.  

Exploring the Scarcity Principle, the idea that fewer common items or experiences are seen as more valuable, we can shift our focus to support the dwindling native bee population. A decline in over 1,000 species of native bees in Colorado can be attributed to habitat loss, competition, pesticides, and more. The Bee Digest connects human and native bees' experiences, reflective of the way that we depend on each other to coexist. It features information regarding ways we can support bees, like offering small and impactful strategies to introduce more native plants through gardening and cooking. It also provides moments for empathy and reflection with haikus dedicated to native bees’ journey to survive. 

The Bee Digest highlights the symbiotic relationship between people and native bees. It inspires readers to take steps to create a better environment for all that exist within it. Together, we can work proactively to support Colorado's biodiversity to better our lives and the pollinators that support us.