According to the National Academy of Sciences, of the 240,000 flowering plants in North America, three quarters require the pollination of a bee, bird, bat or another animal or insect in order to bear fruit. Statistically speaking, bees (and other pollinators) are responsible for one of every three bites of food we eat. Deschutes Public Library is pleased to welcome Central Oregon Beekeepers Association for a presentation at the East Bend Library about bees and how to get started as a beekeeper. The presentation is free and open to the public.

December 5, 2013 • 6:00 p.m.
East Bend Library

A National Academy of Sciences report last fall documented a crisis among North American pollinators – especially honey bees and native bumblebees. And losing honey bees could seriously disrupt food production. “They are so integrated into so many different markets that I imagine there would be all kinds of collapses,” said May Berenbaum, who was chair of the NAS committee that developed the pollinator report. “To illustrate how pervasive the honey bee is, consider a Big Mac,” she said. “All beef patties, the pickles, onions, lettuce, the cheese, and the sesame seeds on the bun – it took a lot of pollination to make it all happen.”

According to COBA member Mary Lou Brodigan it can be challenging to keep bees in the High Desert. “Honey bees aren’t native to Central Oregon.” But, says Brodigan, beginners who read books about beekeeping and join a beekeeping group before opening a hive can be successful. During the presentation COBA members will discuss bee biology, hardware and products derived from bees. Samples of honey, bread, candles and lotion will be on hand to test.

For more information about this or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz at 312-1032.