SWCD program highlights honey bees

On August 8, the Fillmore SWCD sponsored a Prairie Walk at the Savanna Spring Nature Area in Chatfield. One of the featured speakers was Joshua Burgess, a beekeeper from Marion, who spoke about his honey business and the importance of native prairies for producing honey and other crops and food products. August 19 was National Honey Bee Day, a day designated for educating the public about honey bees and other pollinators and their importance for food production. Those attending the walk learned about how individuals can improve pollinator habitat even in very small areas by planting plants that provide nectar and pollen, such as those found in the Nature Area. Contact the SWCD office, (507)-765-3878, ext. 3, about programs available for converting marginal cropland to pollinator habitat.