Bee Basics

Native bees are a hidden treasure. From alpine meadows in the national forests of the Rocky Mountains to the Sonoran Desert in the Coronado National Forest in Arizona and from the boreal forests of the Tongass National Forest in Alaska to the Ocala National Forest in Florida, bees can be found anywhere in North America, where flowers bloom. From forests to farms, from cities to wildlands, there are 4,000 native bee species in the United States, from the tiny Perdita minima to large carpenter bees. This illustrated and colorful pamphlet provides valued information about native bees --over 4,000 in population --varying in a wide array of sizes, shapes, and colors. They are also different in their life styles, the places they frequent, the nests they build, the flowers they visit, and their season of activity. Yet, they all provide an invaluable ecosystem service - pollination -to 80 percent of flowering plants. Blueberry bees, bumble bees, yellow jacket bees, carpenter bees, and more are explored, including the differences in their gender, nests, and geographical regions that they visit.

This classic work has been greatly enhanced and extended with both photographs and images to illustrate the many facets of Beekeeping. A guide for the aspiring apiarist. All you need to know to get started in beekeeping. In this updated edition, a compilation of advice from Langstroth, Quinby, Huber, and a number of contemporary contributors, you will find everything you need to know about Honeybees, Apiculture, Honey and Pollen, the Hive, the Apiary, Breeding, Pasturage, Feeding, Swarming, Replacing the Queen, Enemies of Bees, Colony Collapse Disorder, and the mysterious Behavior of Bees. Well illustrated.

Turn an ordinary piece of wood into a fire-burned masterpiece! If you're a crafter or an artist looking for something new and different, try pyrography. With this type of art, you use a heated instrument to burn images and words into wood. By using techniques from drawing, such as shading and stippling, you can also add depth and embellishments to your creations. It's easy to get started with pyrography–and Creative Woodburning can help you jump into this hot new craft. This book features: • An introduction to pyrography and the tools you need to get started • Expert advice on how to choose the right materials and how to create a safe working environment • 20 projects, including a jewelry box, a cutting board, a wooden egg, a clock, and a gourd birdhouse • More than 180 patterns–from animal and nature designs to borders and geometric and decorative shapes • Techniques for shading, adding color, and sealing your projects The power of your pyrography imagination is just between your fingertips and Creative Woodburning can help you tap into your inspiration. Even if you've never done burning of any kind before, pyrography expert Bee Locke can show you a safe yet fun way to play with fire.

Native bees are a hidden treasure. From alpine meadows in the national forests of the Rocky Mountains to the Sonoran Desert in the Coronado National Forest in Arizona and from the boreal forests of the Tongass National Forest in Alaska to the Ocala National Forest in Florida, bees can be found anywhere in North America, where flowers bloom. From forests to farms, from cities to wildlands, there are 4,000 native bee species in the United States, from the tiny Perdita minima to large carpenter bees. Most people do not realize that there were no honey bees in America before European settlers brought hives from Europe. These resourceful animals promptly managed to escape from domestication. As they had done for millennia in Europe and Asia, honey bees formed swarms and set up nests in hollow trees. Native pollinators, especially bees other than honey bees, have been pollinating the continent's flowering plants since long before the arrival of honey bees.

A guide to the history, behavior, and bounty of the humble bee From backyard keeping to bee-centric foods and home goods, there's no end to humankind's fascination with bees. The Complete Bee Handbook is a compelling read and easy-to-use reference, packed with practical and thought-provoking information for bee lovers new and old. Journey through the past, present, and future of the bee, including their evolution, their ever-critical role as pollinators, and the ongoing threats that jeopardize their survival. You'll also discover a short and sweet cultural history of beekeeping, the numerous applications of bee products, and tips on how you can support your local bee population. This bee guide explores: The life of the honey bee—Look into the mind of the hive as you learn about the role each bee plays in helping their colony function and thrive. Beekeeping for beginners—Get simple advice for cultivating a bee-friendly garden, from preferred plants to fun DIY accessories. Buzzworthy recipes—Try your hand at creative recipes for bee lovers, including mead, baklava, beeswax soap, and candles. Discover everything you wanted to know about bees with The Complete Bee Handbook!