In this episode, Casey talks about honey bees. These ubiquitous pollinators have a fascinating lifestyle. Unlike most other bees, they are eusocial animals with a well-organized and strictly managed caste system. One honey bee behavior that is particularly interesting is swarming. If you happen upon a swarm, contact the Treasure Valley Beekeepers Club (idabees.org). They will send out an experienced beekeeper to collect it and find it a new home.
Daniel’s topic is spring weeds in the mustard family. These are easy plants to identify, especially when they are flowering. A few common species flowering now include shepherd’s purse, tansy mustard, hairy bittercress, and blue mustard. Whitetop – a noxious weed in Idaho – is particularly problematic in the Boise Foothills due to its aggressive nature and its ability to spread via underground stems. It can be seen flowering now in abundance.
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This episode aired on Radio Boise in May 2018 and featured music by Toy Zoo.
Boise Biophilia 