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KIRKWOOD, Mo. -- Did you know there’s a little bee in many of the foods you eat? You don’t have to worry about getting stung though, because the bee’s already done its work long before the food ever reaches your table.
Bees are our most vital pollinators, and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a chance to get to know these buzzing busybodies better, and the important work they do. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center will present a special program, For the Love of Bees, to celebrate Missouri’s native bees Saturday, Feb. 15 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The event is free and open for all ages.
The event will open with an educational presentation by MDC Urban Wildlife Biologist Erin Shank, author of the article on local native bees, A City Abuzz, featured in the February Missouri Conservationist Magazine. Visitors might be surprised to discover that there are 450 species of bees in the Show-Me-State and that 45% are found in St. Louis.
MDC will also welcome Ken McCarty from Missouri State Parks, who will bring a native bee display table for the program.
“Native bees are the unsung heroes that are critical to plant pollination, local wildlife, and our kitchens,” said MDC Naturalist Rebecca Rodriguez.
Visitors will be able to see and taste a few products made from the fruits of bee’s labor with salsa making demonstrations and ice cream tasting. Other educational displays will show how homeowners can do their part to help by creating bee homes and bee baths. There will also be special bee crafts for kids.
“Visitors can participate in hands-on activities that demonstrate the bees' contributions to our food, home, and St. Louis,” Rodriguez said.
For the Love of Bees is a free program, however advanced online registration is required at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZmB.
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is located at 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-44 and I-270.
MDC offers many free educational events and programs in the St. Louis region to help people discover nature, fishing, hunting, and the outdoors. Stay informed by going to the MDC St. Louis reginal events page at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZP6.
