Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu

Contact: Allison Watkins, 325-659-6528, aewatkins@ag.tamu.edu

SAN ANGELO – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Concho Valley Beekeepers Association have teamed up to conduct the educational program, “All About Bees,” at 6 p.m. July 16 in San Angelo.

The program will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 7887 N. U.S. Highway 87. There is no admission charge to participants, but they are asked to RSVP by calling the AgriLife Extension office in Tom Green County at 325-659-6528.

Allison Watkins, AgriLife Extension horticulture agent in Tom Green County, said the program is meant to provide information on dealing with wild bee swarms and established colonies while also showing participants how to get started in beekeeping and honey production.

“Bees play a major role in feeding humans,” Watkins said. “They don’t just make honey, they also pollinate crops. About a third of our diet comes from insect-pollinated plants and about 80 percent of that pollination is done by honeybees.

“Closer to home, many gardeners understand the important role beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies and other pollinators have in the garden. These pollinators are critical for producing such West Texas favorites as squash, peaches, tomatoes and melons.”

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