“Ever wonder where all the food that you eat comes from? well it might surprise you that a significant proportion is provided by bees one way or another.” That’s right most of the food YOU eat is pollinated* by bees.  Some of the food I eat that is pollinated by these insects are apples, cuties and strawberries. Since food is something we all need to survive, bees are a very important part of the food chain.

Once there was someone that was going to step on a bee. I felt that that was an injustice, that it was wrong and that these creatures should be treated fairly. So I shot over to the person just in the nick of time, rescued it and found it a safe place to stay. I shared that story because not only did I feel sorrow for the poor bug but they say that each bee you kill, there is one less fruit you will eat. Because they are pollinators, bees are a big part of the ecosystem. They help trees, flowers and other plants grow, which means they help make resources like food and shelter for people, animals and bugs. Without bees our gardens would be bare and our plates empty.     

        Since my dad is a beekeeper I get to see a beehive every time I go to Sonoma, and I started to know more about bees. My dad told me that bees sting only when they are provoked and that’s why I try not to harm them. 

One time when I was on the field across from Live Oak I (without looking) put my hand on the grass. At the same time I put my hand on the bee. the bee (alarmed) stung me.The bee died because all bees die after stinging. I had to take medication for a week.  A way to avoid a bee would be when you are outside and you see them flying around you should stay away from it and its path. but did you know only the females bite? Most people are  afraid of bees especially if they get stung but I still love  them the same. 

    One time (a while ago) my dad asked me if I wanted to go to the beehive and I said “yes”. My dad was probably too scared to go in his regular clothes which is why he wore a beekeeper suit,  but I didn’t wear a beekeeper suit Because there wasn’t one in my size. I had to be brave and go to The Beehive without wearing a beekeeper suit, yet I didn’t get stung. A beekeeper suit is very important because if you get stung in the neck or the head it could be a very serious injury and protecting your whole body is an extra precaution. Moral: I can be around bees and be fine (as in not wearing beekeeping suit)  just like I can be around gluten (as in at snack time on the roof and people are eating gluten and I’m okay with it)

     Bees and food are important to you; because without bees you would starve because they make food, this is why they are important to the ecosystem. You eat food every day, I eat food every day and your neighbor Mike eats food every day. And that is why bees and food are important to not just you but everyone!