Not The Bee I Was Looking For, or Maybe It Was?

 

It's no secret that many of Vermont's pollinators are becoming harder to find. The University of Vermont's Gund Institute for Environment published "Study Reveals Striking Decline of Vermont's Bumble Bees" four years ago with findings that, "four of Vermont's 17 bumble bees species appear to have gone extinct." This Spring, I noticed that Vermont Fish and Wildlife updated their language on their website with, "Pollinators in Peril" where they in part describe the issue as, "Vermont recently added three species of bumble bee to its threatened and endangered species list." 

So When Wayne and I joined in greening up Vernon on Mother's Day weekend, I hadn't exactly planned on writing about how Wayne picking up a cast off empty bottle of booze might be the spark that Vernon required to motivate us to protect pollinators. But it was right there in plain sight, listed under ingredients for Evan Williams Honey Bourbon, "Natural Honey. It's All Flavor - No Sting." How could this not be a catalyst for change? As they say in Place Based Education, meet the students where they are at! 

 I do realize that there is an important difference in commodity with regards to the Bumble and the Honey Bee. Additionally, domesticated honeybees are not native to the US, and they are in competition with our native bees. But it appears that honeybee numbers are being impacted by some of the same forces that our native bees are. Why does any of this matter? The USGS states that, Honey bees increase our nation's crop values each year by more than 15 billion dollars." and the USDA states that, "More than 100 US grown crops rely on pollinators." If more motivation is needed than that, I offer you this:

 No honeybees = No natural honey flavored bourbon!

 Commitment towards restoring our environment comes in many forms. I encourage you to begin here. 

As a coordinator of Green Up Day in Vernon, Hannah among other responsibilities, helps resident volunteers choose a stretch of Vernon to clean up. Wayne chose Lily Pond while I was visiting with a friend who was interested in a project going in on West Rd. Hannah reminded us that Vernon wasn't going to clean itself!

Lily Pond is still at flood stage, but there were still plenty of interesting finds. I've decided to spare you photographs of the toilet paper (gross) and I will warn you that I am posting carrion in this edition. Below are Ring Neck Pheasant feathers, an interesting find as Ring Neck Pheasants are not found in VT or NH. 

38.6% of all litter is made of plastic. 2020 National Litter Study Summary Report 

There is twice as much litter from alcoholic beverages than non alcoholic. (NLSSR). I found a plastic beverage container that was mistaken for food. Plastic obstructs wildlife's stomachs and can cause ruptures and starvation. National Wildlife Federation, A Plague of Plastics In case you believe that glass is better, Paul Miller once informed me that glass bottles mess up farm equipment pretty good.

Wayne and I pick up around Lily Pond often. Cans, bottles and paper are a constant problem. Only about 35% of Vermont's waste is recycled, composted or reused. Vermont's Universal Recycling Law

As a Class Two wetland, Lily Pond has a 50ft buffer zone where mowing, removal of wood, and other alterations are restricted. This buffer is in place to protect rare plants and wildlife there. I found this skunk within the 50ft buffer under bramble.

 This appeared to be what was left of winter clothing.

Canada Goose feathers were also in this area. It's a federal offense to take a migratory bird out of season, that is unless you happen to be a coyote or other predator. These feathers may be from the fall hunt and are possibly are only now visible after the snow melted. 

Of course with spring, there are also signs of new life.

We couldn't reach the area beyond the parking lot as it is flooded, so we walked along the waters edge heading northwest.

Sometimes things like this barbed wire fencing are installed with a useful purpose only to be abandoned in place later on. We did not have the tools with us to remove this hazard.

How could I resist stopping to enjoy the view? The town of Vernon owns the access road, the parking area and the island at Lily Pond. We didn't pick up on the island this time. I am hopeful that during nesting season, people will resist disturbing birds on the island.

.6% of litter along roadways and waterways is office paper and mail. (NLSR). If school is a kid's office, than the chances of my finding someone's schoolwork at Lily Pond is fairly remote. Some estimates on  litter claim that up to 90% of litter is accidental litter.  How wonderful that I found such a fine example of student work! This student's teacher wrote, "So proud of you! This is really great work!" 

We decided to comb the access road and a short distance to the left and to the right of it on Pond rd. One volunteer started at the rec by herself and amazingly worked her way up to where we were. 

Some things defy explanation. With twenty one categories of plastic identified by the NLSR, 17.7% of litter is listed as "other plastic." 

Wayne removes a piece of sheet metal from the north shore.

Insulation and Styrofoam was on the shore and floating in the pond.

Wayne and I used sticks to coax the litter towards us. We couldn't remove it all.

In total, we removed two bags full of litter from  Lily Pond plus some larger pieces that we couldn't fit into the bags.

Our actions, be they intentional or unintentional have very real consequences to those things that we value.

Things like bourbon that is naturally flavored with honey and the conviction that all of Vernon's inhabitants have the right to enjoy a clean and safe environment. - Norma Manning