Our Native Bees: North America's Endangered Pollinators and the Fight to Save Them - Hardcover

by Paige Embry (Author)

A New York Times 2018 Holiday Gift Selection

Honey bees get all the press, but the fascinating story of North America's native bees--endangered species essential to our ecosystems and food supplies--is just as crucial. Through interviews with farmers, gardeners, scientists, and bee experts, Our Native Bees explores the importance of native bees and focuses on why they play a key role in gardening and agriculture. The people and stories are compelling: Paige Embry goes on a bee hunt with the world expert on the likely extinct Franklin's bumble bee, raises blue orchard bees in her refrigerator, and learns about an organization that turns the out-of-play areas in golf courses into pollinator habitats. Our Native Bees is a fascinating, must-read for fans of natural history and science and anyone curious about bees.

Back Jacket

Imported European honey bees get all the press, but more compelling is the story of North America's native bees--species essential to our ecosystems and food supplies. In her travels with farmers, gardeners, and scientists, Paige Embry examines the vital role these pollinators play. Along the way, she hunts for a bumble bee that may be extinct, houses hibernating blue orchard bees in her refrigerator, and investigates an unlikely place for pollinator habitat: golf courses. Filled with Embry's discoveries, both sobering and hopeful, Our Native Bees offers a rare exploration of these underappreciated natives so crucial to our survival.

Author Biography

Paige Embry has a BS in geology from Duke University and an MS in geology from the University of Montana. She has worked as an environmental consultant, taught horticulture and geology classes, and run a garden design and coaching business. She has written articles for Horticulture, The American Gardener, and other magazines. Visit her at paigeembry.com.