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Bee + Butterfly Walk + Refuge
Pollinator Education
The decline of bee and pollinator populations globally is a critical environmental issue requiring immediate attention. Pollinators are essential for ecosystem health and agricultural productivity, yet their numbers are decreasing due to various factors. In some areas, 75% of the commercial bee population experienced hive death last year. Without intervention and education, continued pollinator decline poses significant risks to biodiversity, food security, and ecosystem stability. In response to this challenge, we have been building a Pollinator Educational Walk and Refuge.
Since we arrived at the farm, we have taken careful care of creating an environment where pollinators of all shapes and sizes can thrive. From diligently cultivating and protecting a variety of plants used as food and shelter and cultivating spaces for butterflies like the monarch butterfly we have noticed a significant increase in the overall population. Our region has an impressive diversity of butterflies, with over 500 identified species. Our farm is filled with a variety of species of bees and stingless bees as well. Stingless bee honey is legendary - it has very unique chemical properties and a higher moisture content than regular honey. The antioxidant and biochemical properties are stronger and more complex than manuka honey. Here we intend to provide education about bee care as well.
Mariposa 88, the Pollinator Walk + Refuge is an area we are specifically designing for future visitors. Along with the 100s of international volunteers, we host every year this will allow other people to stop by and receive information that is vital to our planetary health and well-being. It will be an interactive experience designed to educate people on how they can help our bee and butterfly population in their daily choices. A nature walk that is designed to help people observe and interact with the beauty of the world around them and help protect what the Creator has given us. We have created a design that includes walkways, a visitor area, and resting and observation areas. It will also have a water feature that includes puddling areas which will attract 100s of various butterflies at a time.
In summary, the establishment of a Pollinator Educational Center and Refuge represents a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on pollinator conservation. We are pleased to share that this project is already underway, with initial planning and construction phases in progress. We have planted 100s of plants, had the space designed by a professional eco-landscaper, designed the interactive aspects, and have started building the water feature. By emphasizing education, community engagement, and interactive learning, we aim to inspire a new generation of stewards and drive positive change. We invite your support in continuing to develop and expand this initiative, and we look forward to partnering with you in this important endeavor.
We need a wood chipper for the farm to create pathways, as well as funds to create educational stations.
