Why are honeybees dying at such an alarming rate?

09/19/23 • 43 min

Honeybees are a crucial part of the food system. In fact, they pollinate more than 100 of the food crops we eat. But a survey by Auburn University and the University of Maryland found that 48% of honeybee colonies were lost last year. Today on Earthly I talk to two experts in the protection and cultivation of honeybees. Brad Cavin leads a program that regulates the beekeeping industry in South Carolina, and Ben Powell runs Clemson Extension’s beekeeping and pollinator program. They’re going to explain the importance of honeybees, why they might be struggling, and steps we can take to help protect them.

For show notes and additonal resources, visit https://blogs.clemson.edu/earthly/.
Earthly is hosted and produced by Clemson University.

For show notes and additonal resources, visit https://blogs.clemson.edu/earthly/.
Earthly is hosted and produced by Clemson University.

Previous Episode

The mysteries of the venus flytrap

South Carolina lawmakers recently named the Venus Flytrap the state’s official carnivorous plant. The law places the plant in a category that includes the state bird (the Carolina Wren), state flower (the yellow jasmine), state fruit (the peach), state tree (the palmetto), and even the state snack (the boiled peanut).

Trent Miller is plant collection manager at the South Carolina Botanical Garden. He’s going to talk about the flytrap and why it grows natively in only one small sliver of the Carolinas. He’s also going to talk about other plants that are unique to the Palmetto State.

For show notes and additonal resources, visit https://blogs.clemson.edu/earthly/.
Earthly is hosted and produced by Clemson University.

Next Episode

South Carolina Earthquakes Explained

There has been a flurry of geological activity in South Carolina lately, particularly around the Midlands and Upstate. In fact, the most recent was a 1.6 magnitude earthquake recorded April 4 near the town of Cross Anchor in Spartanburg County.

In this episode of Earthly, Jonathan talks to Clemson assistant professor Brady Flinchum about South Carolina earthquakes and if all the little quakes we’ve been having mean there’s a big one headed our way. Flinchum compares earthquake magnitude to pasta noodles, explains what earthquakes can tell us about the structure of the earth, and even talks about what Marsquakes can teach us about Mars. He also tells us what to do if an earthquake strikes.

For show notes and additonal resources, visit https://blogs.clemson.edu/earthly/.
Earthly is hosted and produced by Clemson University.