Entomologist Brittany Buckles explains how and why to protect both honey bees and native bees. Brittany served as the beekeeper for the honey bee hives at the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots in 2017 and then worked with the US Fish and Wildlife's rusty patched bumble bee protection and recovery project in the Chicagoland area.

This episode is part of Series 3: Celebrating Earth Day. For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series and to submit ideas and questions, visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.

Brittany Buckles at the honey bee hives at the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots, 2017. 

2 Ways You Can Help the Bees

In the podcast interview, Brittany mentioned two ways that the average person can help support both honey bees and native bees that together, are responsible for pollinating 1 out of every 3 bites of food that we eat. 

1. Plant a variety of native plants at home. Illinois residents can try black-eyed susans, purple coneflower, bee balm, clover, etc.Online resources:

• The Conservation Foundation - Conservation at Home
• University of Illinois Extension - Bee Friendly in Your Garden
• Chicago Botanic Garden - Plant a Pollinator Strip

2. Use Integrated Pest Management to reduce pesticide use. Online resources:

•  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Introduction to Integrated Pest Management
•  University of Illinois Extension - Plant Clinic
•  University of Illinois Extension - IPM in the Home Landscape

If you need help identifying an insect pest in your garden, you may email Brittany at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To learn more about the Naperville Park District's green initiatives, including planting native plants for pollinators, visit the Green Initiatives page at https://www.napervilleparks.org/greeninitiatives.