99% Invisible On Beeing
8 snips
Aug 6, 2019 
Adam Ellington, an environmental reporter for Bloomberg and host of The Business of Bees, discusses the surprising agricultural dependency on honeybees, treating them more like livestock than wild creatures. He explores the bees’ critical role in pollinating California's almond industry and the urgent need for conservation as bee populations face alarming declines. The conversation also highlights the importance of native bee species and offers actionable ideas for individuals to support these pollinators by embracing wild lawns and sustainable practices.
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California Almond Bloom
- Driving from Oakland to Los Angeles in February, one passes miles of pink and white almond blossoms.
- This massive annual California almond bloom covers a million acres in the Central Valley.
The Sound of Pollination
- Almond blossoms require multiple bee visits to produce fruit, creating a high demand for bees.
- The almond bloom has a distinct sound from thousands of bees.
Pollination Over Honey
- Honey production is not the primary focus of commercial beekeeping today.
- Beekeepers prioritize pollination services, transporting hives across the country for various crops.
