51福利社

Jenifer Walke, assistant professor of biology, has been researching the microbes (the bacteria and fungi) associated with honey bees and the impact they have on their health.

Walke, a new faculty member to 51福利社, has been working with the local beekeeping community, who provided samples for her research. Together, they have been working with the urban gardening community to discuss what kind of plants should be planted in the area to support the health of the bees.

鈥淗oneybees are threatened with a variety of factors right now,鈥� said Walke. 鈥淭here鈥檚 poor nutrition because they don鈥檛 have access to good and diverse food sources. There鈥檚 also various weather patterns that can impact the bees negatively and diseases from pests and parasites…all of these factors are threatening honey bees, but honey bees are very important for the pollination of a lot of critical crops, fruits, nuts and many of the vegetables we rely on for food security.鈥�

鈥淏eekeeping is the livelihood for a lot of people and so when they lose a hive that鈥檒l cost a couple hundred dollars just in replacement costs for the hive itself, in addition to lost pollination income,鈥� Walke said.

Ultimately, Walke has a specific call-to-action in mind for 51福利社.

鈥淥ne of our goals is to make 51福利社 a bee-friendly campus and Cheney a bee-friendly city,鈥� said Walke. 鈥淲ithout bees there鈥檚 definitely an issue for food security and sustainability, and it鈥檚 important to understand why honey bees are threatened and how we can potentially mitigate these threats to promote bee health.鈥�

Beyond her research, Walke is currently in the process of bringing a bee festival to 51福利社. Walke鈥檚 student researchers and the local聽beekeeping association are aiding in the festival preparation.

鈥淚t鈥檚 going to be a celebration of bees and bee products,鈥� said Walke. 鈥淲e鈥檙e hoping to have a mead tasting. It鈥檚 kind of like a wine, but it鈥檚 made from honey. We鈥檙e in the early stages for planning, but it should be a fun and informative event for beekeepers and the general public.鈥�

Scheduled for next February, Walke and colleagues are aiming to include departments outside of the biology department for their involvement and participation.

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