5 Organizations Helping Bees Thrive

Bees are essential pollinators that support ecosystems and play a large role in agriculture. In recent years, there have been concerns over declining populations, but thankfully, many organizations are fighting back to secure their survival. In no particular order, here are some names to know in the fight to protect bees.

First up, at #1, is Planet Bee, a foundation inspiring environmental stewardship and individual action through hands-on learning. This San Francisco-based nonprofit works with schools, corporations, community gardens, and others to promote the long-lasting care of bees and the environment through educational workshops.

These interactive lessons involve simple and tangible actions that empower people to be agents of change. Planet Bee offers informational resources as well, such as a guide on how to build pollinator-friendly gardens and tips for using natural pest control.

Next, at #2, is Bee City USA, a program that raises awareness of the role pollinators play and what individuals can do to create healthy local habitats. The initiative helps create and enhance pollinator land by increasing the abundance of native plants in local communities, providing nest sites and reducing the use of pesticides.

Bee City USA endorses a set of commitments for creating sustainable habitats for native pollinators, which are vital to feeding the planet. By becoming a Bee City USA affiliate, local leaders can improve a community's environment, eating habits, and even the economy.

At #3, we have EcoBeneficial LLC, a horticulture consulting and communications company founded by Kim Eierman. It was created to change the ways in which people think about and manage local landscapes by providing speaking, writing, and consulting services . The company's goal is to improve the environment by promoting ecological landscaping and the use of native plants.

EcoBeneficial also offers educational content , such as an environmentally focused blog, videos, and a podcast. Eierman is the author of the book The Pollinator Victory Garden: Win the War on Pollinator Decline with Ecological Gardening.

Next up, at #4, is Nature Nate's, a honey company that also strives to support ecosystems. Nathan Sheets and his team pledge to be responsible stewards of the planet, from supporting bee health and sustainable production practices to donating profits to communities in need.

Nature Nate's gives back by partnering with responsible beekeepers and leading universities for bee health research, and provides tests to beekeepers to ensure their farms have not been exposed to common pesticides, herbicides, or antibiotics. In addition, teachers and educators are welcome to use this company's interactive lesson plans to teach future generations about honeybees.

Coming in at #5, we have Seedball, a non-profit company on a mission to help increase the abundance of British wildflowers and the pollinators that depend upon them. The company's balls are created by conservation scientists to simplify the process of growing wildflowers. Customers can buy a mix full of bee-friendly plants recommended by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

To make planting accessible to those without gardening expertise, the balls provide plants with the nutrition and protection needed for early growth. These flowers provide important habitats and food for wildlife, especially pollinators. In 2019, Seedball won "Best Wildlife Gardening Product" at the Great British Growing Awards.