Habitat loss is impacting bees

Berry said habitat loss is another threat affecting wildlife.

“Habitat loss is probably the leading cause that we're seeing, especially with our native bees and our honeybees as well," she said.

"What used to be a field full of wild flowers and trees and things is now a Walmart or a subdivision or an apartment complex. Every time you drive by and see a field that's being cleared, we have just removed food for something.”

Honeybees are important to the economy and taste buds

“Honeybees are very important for our economy and pollination,” said Berry. “They pollinate a majority of our crops. When you go into the grocery store and you see all that produce, most of that is there because of the hard work of honeybees. So if you like to eat fruits and vegetables, then you want to keep your honeybees around."

Meals would be much less appetizing were it not for honeybees, said Berry.

“If we didn't have honeybees, we would have corn, barley, rice, and wheat,” she said. “We would be ... eating gruel.”What can you do to save the bees?

Berry said native plants are essential to increasing the bee population.

“Everybody can do something,” said Berry. “For homeowners, the biggest bang for your buck is to plant a native tree. We need native trees because our native bees and our honeybees have evolved together. A white oak supports over 2,400 species of caterpillars and other insects that birds eat. It's so important that we look at our native species and our native trees.”

Berry added, “Consider reducing your lawn,” she said. “Your grass doesn't feed anything. It takes a lot of maintenance, fertilizing, pesticides, and herbicides. Instead, place beds of flowers and trees in your outdoor space.”