Bees & Earth Day: Small Creatures, Big Impact City of Industry Supports Local Education About Bees
“The City of Industry is known as a center of economic strength, but we also want to be known as a city that invests in the future of our environment. This project is a meaningful step in that direction.” Mayor Cory Moss
By Amy Bentley Special Sections Writer B ees are true climate heroes. As key contributors to pollination, bees help plants reproduce, supporting ecosystems and producing nearly one-third of the food we eat. Fruits, vegetables, nuts and countless wild plants depend on the daily work of bees. Earth Day is a good occasion to remember that protecting bees means protecting our natural ecosystems, our food supply and the planet. Bee populations are under threat from habitat loss, pesticides and climate change. Organizations like OC Beekeeping Supplies and its non-profit partner, Bees Feed Us, are making a difference. Through education, research, sustainable hive management and by providing healthy bees to local beekeepers, these organizations are strengthening bee populations, promoting
too, as it supports healthy hives while connecting people to local agriculture and environmental stewardship. Bees Feed Us is the family’s non-profit education and community outreach organization. Sons Gavin, 16, and Grady, 10, take active roles. “Everyone in our family loves the bees. This is a passion we all have. It just keeps growing,” Laurie said. Bill added, “Proper education is probably one of the most important factors for successful beekeeping.” One of the family’s successful endeavors is a partnership with the City of Industry to establish a five-acre teaching apiary in the City of Industry where community members can experience the magic of bees up close by appointment. “The City of Industry is known as a center of economic strength, but we also want to be known as a city that invests in the future of our environment. This project is a meaningful step in that direction,” said Mayor Cory Moss. “This is more than an apiary — it’s a living classroom. We
environmentally responsible practices, educating others about the importance of bees, and encouraging communities to plant pollinator-friendly gardens.
Also helping the effort is the City of Industry, which has partnered with these organizations to teach people about bees and their important role. OC Beekeeping Supplies and Bees Feed Us are the passions of the Gibson family of Fullerton. Bill and Laurie Gibson established OC Beekeeping Supplies in 1995. They sell bees, hives, supplies and pure, award-winning honey under the brand Hapa Honey Farm. Responsibly harvested honey is important
The Gibson family, from left, Bill, Grady, Laurie, and Gavin run OC Beekeeping Supplies and Bees Feed Us.
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