Bees Make Life Sweet

  Celebrating New Mexico Pollinator Week

WHAT: Programs celebrating New Mexico Pollinator Week

WHERE: Open Space Visitor Center | 6500 Coors Blvd NW at the end of Bosque Meadows Rd.

between Montaño and Paseo del Norte

WHEN: June 26 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

FREE

CONTACT: Jodi Hedderig | Parks & Recreation Dept., Open Space Division | 505-897-8831 | openspace@cabq.gov

Did you know apples, cashews, strawberries and chile are all pollinated by bees? In fact, about 75% of all flowering plants rely on animal pollinators such as honey bees.

Did you know that farming and ranching in New Mexico depends in many ways on healthy pollinator species?

That's why Governor Richardson has declared June 21 – 27, 2010 as "New Mexico Pollinator Week" in conjunction with nationwide efforts to raise awareness of pollinator species critical to our food systems and economy.

We're getting the message out to as many people as possible by hosting a morning of FREE bee awareness activities on Saturday, June 26 from 10am-1pm.

Activities include:

• HONEY TASTING: Is West side honey better than East side honey? What's the difference between local honey and store-bought honey? Come and sample honey from beekeepers in Albuquerque.
• POLLINATOR TOUR: Take a tour of pollinator-friendly plants at the Open Space Visitor Center
• BEES IN THE 'HOOD: Learn about how people keep bees in Albuquerque and how can you can create a bee-friendly environment in your garden and community. Check out the parts of a bee hive.
• MEET BEEKEEPERS: Come and meet local beekeepers, ask questions, and try on their "bee hat."

This event is co-organized by the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division and the Albuquerque Beekeepers Group (http://abqbeeks.ning.com/ ).