May 2021 www.readingtonnews.com
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Readington News A Community Newspaper
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Readington Township Teen is Queen Bee, in the Nicest Way
By Tatiana Hlinka 8th grade Readington Middle School student and Cadette Girl Scout
In Readington Township 250 years ago, Thomas Bouman recorded beekeeping in his inventory at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead. Now, so many years later, as a resident and Cadette Girl Scout, I want to re-introduce the importance of bees in our environment and community. During the beginning of this year, I began constructing a honeybee hive that will be established at the Readington Community Garden, along with a honeybee colony. The hive will not only increase the garden productivity, but provide a great educational experience for students, scouts, and nature enthusiasts. In addition, masonry bee houses will be distributed on Readington trails and lands like Bouman Stickney, in hopes of attracting native bees, and providing them a place to nest. Mason bees are wood boring insects that rarely sting, since they do not have honey to protect, and are efficient in their work. Twohundred mason bees can pollinate an entire orchard of berries. Don’t mistake them for aggressive carpenter bees, as they are friendly.
The
Readington News A Community Newspaper
Serving All ofsince Readington bees. However, observed in Township, NJ
Girl Scouts made their own sustainable mason bee hives at the workshop.
Lastly, I will be educating the youth and local girl scout troops about the importance of bees, while also applying their knowledge into action, such as creating sustainable recyclable mason bee houses. (Research for this project and article can be found on NJBeekeepers. org.) Why promote bees? Bees are a symbol of work, diligence, and good order. The tiny, but mighty insect, for many thousands of years, has pollinated about 100 global leading crops. These essential
Tatiana installed a hand-painted beehive at the Readington Community Garden at the Dobozynski Farm.
foods include apples, berries, cherries, almonds, and the coffee bean. Basically, one out of three bites of food we eat is because of bee pollination. The vast majority of wild plants rely on the work of bees. Every season, bees contribute $577 billion worth of global food production to the economy, not only feeding us, but grazing animals, such as cows who rely on bee pollinated-clover and alfalfa. With over 2 billion bees in the world, busily flying 20 mph to provide food, it’s hard to imagine a world without
Spring Flowers Blooming Have you noticed the beautiful spring flowers in the planters on Main Street in Whitehouse Station? The Beautification Committee of Whitehouse Station is now working with Hionis Greenhouses and Hidden Hollow Acres to keep the planters blooming. The committee’s Adopt-A-Pot program has brought many willing volunteers to help keep those planters watered and looking great. If you would like to donate, or help out, contact BCWHS@gmail.com. - Photo and article provided by Steve Fraebel of the BCWS
2006, the majority of worker bees in honeybee colonies have disappeared, without any notice. They leave behind a queen, plenty of food, bee larvae, and a hive needing maintenance. Scientists refer to this phenomenon as Colony Collapse Disorder. Viruses, parasites, pesticides, and habitat losses contribute to this disorder. Not only are honeybees suffering, but other bee species also are under similar stresses. What can you do? Start simply, by buying honey from local Readington beekeepers. You can also make your neighborhood a more vibrant place by encouraging pollinator friendly plants. Lavender, borage, cosmos, and dahlias can greatly increase the chance that crop
Tatiana Hlinka, a Cadette Girl Scout in Troop 80927, led a workshop about the benefits of bees and building sustainable beehives for local Girl Scout Troops on April 10 at the Readington Community Garden.
yield will be heavier and of better quality with bee pollination. Let’s come together this World Bee Day, May 20, and spread light on this issue at hand. For more information, visit my blog, beeinspiredhoney.org, to inform yourself and take action.