The Queen Bee Buzzes in 1/3/2026

Ron chats with Queen Bee Barbee Bletcher, a retired state apiarist with a wealth of knowledge about bees. They dive into the importance of pollinator-friendly gardens and the decline of bee populations. Barbie shares some startling statistics, including the fact that Ohio had 260,000 bee colonies in 1940, but that number dropped to 22,000 during the colony collapse disorder. They discuss the impact of habitat loss, pesticide use, and the role of nutrition in bee health. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in bee conservation and sustainable gardening practices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.