During the last decade of writing about protecting wildlife, I’ve focused on wolves, coyotes, and bison, my favorite Yellowstone neighbors. But recently I found myself in a situation where I had to decide whether to protect—or harm—birds, bees, and butterflies.
Jul 8, 2022·edited Jul 8, 2022Liked by Rick Lamplugh
Try as I may, I know too many people who just don't get it. I feel so alone. I'll share this, as I do so many of your writings, and hope it reaches at least someone who cares.
Many years ago, I bought a rose bush at Home Depot. When I went to plant it, a tag fell out, proclaiming it was "protected by neonicotonoids." I thought "How much harm can one plant do in a 1/2 acre organic garden?" The next morning, there were dead and dying bees everywhere! They take the tainted pollen back to the hive, where it kills the whole hive. Like most pesticides, it is a neurotoxin; it was horrifying to watch the dying bees suffering this painful death. I immediately cut off all the flowers, put it back in the pot and returned it, but the damage was done...and continues with all the plants sold to unsuspecting or uncaring consumers. There is a local nursery that advertises itself as organic. When I went to purchase a tree, I asked if it had been treated with these obscene pesticides. I was assured it had been at the nursery since the previous year, so it was safe. Having been horrified before, I did an internet search for how long neonicotonoids last: they have a HALF LIFE of 6 years. So, 12, 18, 24 years later, they can still wipe put entire beehives.
Interesting as usual, Rick, but also scary once you began talking about neonics. It'll be interesting to see how your alternative approach will work out. Rus
Protecting Birds, Bees, and Butterflies
Try as I may, I know too many people who just don't get it. I feel so alone. I'll share this, as I do so many of your writings, and hope it reaches at least someone who cares.
Many years ago, I bought a rose bush at Home Depot. When I went to plant it, a tag fell out, proclaiming it was "protected by neonicotonoids." I thought "How much harm can one plant do in a 1/2 acre organic garden?" The next morning, there were dead and dying bees everywhere! They take the tainted pollen back to the hive, where it kills the whole hive. Like most pesticides, it is a neurotoxin; it was horrifying to watch the dying bees suffering this painful death. I immediately cut off all the flowers, put it back in the pot and returned it, but the damage was done...and continues with all the plants sold to unsuspecting or uncaring consumers. There is a local nursery that advertises itself as organic. When I went to purchase a tree, I asked if it had been treated with these obscene pesticides. I was assured it had been at the nursery since the previous year, so it was safe. Having been horrified before, I did an internet search for how long neonicotonoids last: they have a HALF LIFE of 6 years. So, 12, 18, 24 years later, they can still wipe put entire beehives.
Very informative. Thanks.
Interesting as usual, Rick, but also scary once you began talking about neonics. It'll be interesting to see how your alternative approach will work out. Rus