Liam Sisson is a 19-year-old science student from the University of British Columbia in Kelowna, British Columbia. Every summer, he dives into the fascinating world of bees, managing hives and guiding tours for those eager to learn about these crucial pollinators.
Liam works at Arlo’s Honey Farm, where he’s involved in everything from taking care of the bees to bottling honey for sales. He begins his day early, often around 6:30 AM, to keep the bees calm before the heat sets in. With climate change causing more scorching days, this timing is essential. Each hive gets checked every two weeks to assess the health of the bees and the honey production. Providing tours for visitors, especially families, allows him to share his passion for these incredible creatures.
Liam’s interest in bees didn’t come out of nowhere. Moving from Calgary to the Okanagan at a young age, he developed a love for gardening. He learned how plants help each other and the vital role that bees play in it. At 13, he wanted to keep bees of his own but couldn’t due to city regulations. Instead, he volunteered at Arlo’s, which led to a summer job.
Studying microbiology and immunology at UBC, Liam has researched how honey has been used throughout history, from sterilizing wounds to preparing mummies. Recently, there’s been a surge of interest in propolis, a substance made by bees, known for its health benefits like fighting bacterial infections and reducing inflammation.
However, beekeeping isn’t without its challenges. Climate change poses a significant threat to bee populations. Extreme heat can decimate drone bees, leading to reduced hive fertility. Rapid temperature changes can disrupt bee clustering, a survival mechanism in colder weather. Smoke from wildfires can keep bees from pollinating, as they instinctively prepare for danger by consuming their honey stores. Surprisingly, around 50% of honey bee colonies in the Okanagan don’t survive each year.
Liam highlights that honey bees are not native to Canada; humans introduced them to help pollinate crops. This means that, while honey bees are essential for agriculture, they’re not the only pollinators we need to support. Native species like bumble bees face even greater threats, particularly as they don’t have human caretakers.
Despite these challenges, there’s hope. Farms like Arlo’s collaborate with local fruit growers to maintain healthy bee populations. For instance, Tantalus Vineyards plants pollinator-friendly crops alongside its grapevines. Farmers are increasingly aware of how harmful pesticides can be, fueling a push for safer practices that protect bees.
On a brighter note, universities are investing in bee research. The University of Guelph recently launched an institute focusing on the connections between bee health, food security, and sustainable practices. Additionally, more people are showing interest in growing their own food, which naturally raises awareness about the importance of bees.
Liam has a hopeful outlook for the future. He believes that embracing regenerative farming and supporting biodiversity is key to ensuring a sustainable planet.
His advice to young people? Try growing your food, even if it starts with herbs in a pot. Curiosity about the origins of your food and the stories behind products like honey will deepen your connection to nature.
And for older generations, he emphasizes the need to rethink how we grow food. Many of our current agricultural practices have depleted our soil, making it harder to sustain our food sources. By growing food and appreciating the beauty of nature, people can rekindle a love for the environment and the bees that play such a vital role in it.
In summary, bees are not just vital for our food; they reflect the health of our ecosystems. With a collective effort from farmers, researchers, and everyday individuals, there’s a chance to create a thriving environment for both bees and humans.
You can read more about the importance of bees and sustainable practices in sources like the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Check out this related article: South Korea’s Landmark Climate Ruling: A Turning Point for Environmental Justice in Asia
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