Bee Awareness
Los Angeles Beekeepers
Ninety percent of the world’s food comes from plants, and bees are responsible for a third of that food.
Since pollination is essential for plant health, bees are vital to maintaining our ecosystem. Additionally, bees are responsible for the production of other natural resources, like beeswax and honey.
In 2019, Los Angeles County produced over 40 million dollars worth of fruit and vegetable crops. Without bees to pollinate crops, the amount of produce available would decrease, and the profits made by farmers, who depend on a plentiful season for their livelihood, would decline as well.
Thankfully, local beekeepers and bee-enthusiasts alike have made information about bees and the importance of their fuzzy little lives readily available to Los Angeles residents. The Los Angeles County Beekeepers Association, or LACBA, is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about bees while funding further research.
Anyone interested in expanding their bee knowledge or becoming a member of the LACBA should first venture to their website. For those looking for a more hands-on experience, the LACBA offers Beekeeping Class 101 from February to October. The course is an opportunity for long-standing members with many experiences to show community members proper beekeeping processes to maintain their healthy hive.
Beekeeping Class 101 pauses during September, but those interested in bee education can head to the annual LA County Fair instead, where the LACBA has a “Bee Booth” set up for fair visitors. The fair is an excellent chance for kids and adults to learn about bees and the local Los Angeles bee community.
Additionally, other groups and organizations can schedule educational presentations or workshops with the LACBA. And for those interested in learning something every day, you can follow the LACBA on Facebook.
Our access to food is dependent on the existence of bees. Staying informed about bee legislation and understanding the necessity of their survival are significant first steps! As such, we should respect the little guys and their role in the grand scheme of things.