Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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18 UCW AUGUST 26 - SEPTEMBER 1, 2015 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Honeybees are one of the most important insects for the environ- ment. They pollinate 30 percent of flowering crops and 90 percent of wild plants - plants such as apples, broccoli, strawberries, nuts, aspara- gus, blueberries and cucumbers need bees in order to grow. It is easy to see why bees are so impor- tant for the human diet, as well as other mammals, and even plant life. Imagine a summer without your favorite fruit or Thanksgiving without pumpkins. Festivals like the blueberry and strawberry festi- val would be non-existent without bees. Join the Cumberland County Beekeepers Association on Aug. 29 to learn more about this tiny but important creature. With such a vital role to play in the food chain, it's important to keep bees and their hives healthy. Unfortunately, in recent years, hives across the nation have faced Colony Collapse Disorder at an alarming rate. There are several theories about Colony Collapse Disorder and what might cause it, but there is still no solution. The Cumberland County Bee Keepers association will show par- ticipants how to manage bees, take care of the hives and collect honey. Managing bees without getting stung is an art form. Beekeepers use smokers to trick the bees into thinking their hive is on fire. This calms the bees down so beekeep- ers can change out the different compartments to retrieve the honey. While many people are afraid of bees, they are usually harmless. However, there are a few things that people can do to lessen their chanc- es of encountering bees. Wearing black attracts bees because their natural born enemies are bears. Bees will gravitate towards people wear- ing darker colors. Bees are drawn to the carbon dioxide, which comes from our nose and mouth. This is why beekeepers wear nets over their faces to keep the bees from stinging. Depending on which plants bees pollinate, the taste of their honey can vary. Sometimes the differences are subtle, but wildflower honey is not the same as orange blossom honey. There are up to 300 types of honey in the United States. Bees work all summer long to fill their hive with honey for the winter so they might survive the cold weather. Honey can be used in a variety of ways. For example, honey is use- ful as a cough medicine, to treat wounds, as scalp aid, an energy booster and to reduce allergies. Come and join the Cumberland County Beekeepers Association on Aug. 29 at Carvers Creek State Park from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Exercise cau- tion if allergic to bees they will be in an enclosed net. Why Pollinators Matter by CANDICE CARR • As a full service dealer we have over 50 trailer units for sale in various sizes, colors and options for any of your hauling needs. • Elite dealer for Forest River Trailers as well as other brands like dump, enclosed, pull behind and many more. 910-424-7660 910-424-7660 needs. Est. 2011 www.diamondtrailersales.com • We also have trailer tires available for your trailer needs. Bring in this ad or mention it to receive CANDICE CARR, Contributing Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly. com. Learn about the importance of bees and how to care for them at Carver Creek Park on Aug. 29. Winners will be announced at our 18th Annual Best of Fayetteville Awards Party being held at the new and improved on September 15 th September 16 th Best of Fayetteville Edition UP & COM I NG W EEKLY 'S