PolliNation Podcast

Andony Melathopoulos
  • 4.8 (150)
  • NATURAL SCIENCES

PolliNation is a podcast from Oregon State University Extension Service that tells the stories of researchers, land managers and concerned citizens who are making bold strides to improve the health of pollinators.

  1. 295 - Commercial Beekeeping Futures | PolliNation

    2D AGO

    295 - Commercial Beekeeping Futures | PolliNation

    This week, we talk with Ryan Lieuallen of Sweet Bee Honey Company in Milton-Freewater, Oregon. Ryan shares insights into the significant challenges and changes within the beekeeping industry, including high winter mortality rates and the potential economic impacts of the Tropi mite infestation. We discuss the emergence of new Varroa treatments and innovative strategies for creating sustainable bee pastures for bees. Explore Ryan's dedication to maintaining a five-generation beekeeping heritage while adapting to future challenges in beekeeping and sustainable agriculture. Link to Sweet Bee Honey Company and how to donate to the Bee Foundation:   https://www.sweetbeehoneyco.com

    50 min
  2. 294 - Ghost Bees (and Why They're a Problem) | PolliNation

    12/01/2025

    294 - Ghost Bees (and Why They're a Problem) | PolliNation

    In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Zach Portman discusses a new paper addressing the problem of ghost records in bee data. These records often lack physical specimens, creating challenges for verifying data of bee species. Dr. Portman explains the process and complications behind collecting and verifying bee data, emphasizing the importance of preserving specimens. The conversation also delves into the implications of ghost records for conservation efforts and taxonomy, proposing that funding agencies should require proper storage plans for collected specimens. Links: Portman, Z.M., Bruninga-Socolar, B., Chase, M.H., Harrison, T., Arduser, M., Tepedino, V.J. and Cariveau, D.P., 2025. Big data, changing taxonomy, and ghost records: permanent preservation of collected specimens is essential for insect monitoring. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 118(4), pp.331-345: https://academic.oup.com/aesa/article/118/4/331/8197915 https://www.zportman.com

    34 min
  3. 293 - Pollinator Pathway Bend | PolliNation

    09/15/2025

    293 - Pollinator Pathway Bend | PolliNation

    Pollinator Pathway is a national organization dedicated to the establishment of native plant communities for pollinators that are managed without pesticides. It got started in the Western US in Bend, Oregon and this week we hear from two board members, Gwen Bartonek and Lisa Sanco, about the many activities the organization has pulled off in Oregon's High Desert city. Pollinator Pathway Bend: https://pollinatorpathwaybend.org/

    29 min
  4. 292 - The Overlooked Hoverfly | PolliNation

    06/23/2025

    292 - The Overlooked Hoverfly | PolliNation

    Hover flies are everywhere—but most of us don't even notice them. This week on PolliNation, OSU graduate student Nina Miller unpacks the fascinating world of these bee look-alikes, from their diverse life histories to simple ways you can invite them into your garden. OSU Garden Ecology Lab: https://gardenecology.oregonstate.edu/

    42 min
  5. 291 - Vancouver Pollinator Festival | PolliNation

    06/16/2025

    291 - Vancouver Pollinator Festival | PolliNation

    It's festival season! If you're near Portland or Vancouver, WA, you won't want to miss the Vancouver Pollinator Festival happening this Saturday, June 21st at Marshall Park. Our guest, Kyle Roslund, founder of the Vancouver Bee Project, joins us to share what's in store—from garden tours and hands-on activities to a talk by renowned lepidopterist and Xerces Society founder, Dr. Robert Michael Pyle.  Pollinator Festival info: https://pollinatorfestival.org/

    16 min
  6. 290 - Wildfires vs. Timber Harvesting: Impact on Bee Communities | PolliNation

    06/09/2025

    290 - Wildfires vs. Timber Harvesting: Impact on Bee Communities | PolliNation

    This week we delve into the fascinating world of bee communities in disturbed forests with Dr. Graham Frank, a recent PhD graduate from Oregon State University.  Dr. Frank shares key insights about how bee communities are influenced by different types of disturbances, and what this means for forest management. Frank, G.S., Rivers, J.W., Verschuyl, J., Best, L.R., Betts, M.G., Kroll, A.J., Swanson, M.E. and Krawchuk, M.A., 2025. Comparison of Early Seral Forest Bee Communities Following Clearcutting or Wildfire Depends on Stand Age and Nesting Guild. Journal of Forestry, pp.1-45. Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44392-025-00016-1

    34 min
  7. 289 - They Make A LOT of Honey in Alberta | PolliNation

    05/27/2025

    289 - They Make A LOT of Honey in Alberta | PolliNation

    In this episode of the Commercial Beekeeping Zone on PolliNation, we hear from Curtis Miedema, a second generation beekeeper from Barhead, Alberta, and President of North America's only beekeeper's commission. Curtis shares insights into stationary beekeeping and how he fits queen production into an operation focused on honey production. He also discusses the collaborative nature of the Alberta beekeeping community and the role of the Alberta Beekeepers Commission.  Links: https://miedemahoney.com https://www.albertabeekeepers.ca

    46 min
  8. 287 - The Bees of National Wildlife Refuges | PolliNation

    04/07/2025

    287 - The Bees of National Wildlife Refuges | PolliNation

    We hear from Lincoln Best and August Jackson from Oregon State University this week about an initiative to inventory the bees of National Wildlife Refuges in Region 1 by Master Melittologist volunteers. Link to year 1 report: https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/technical_reports/xd07h2826

    27 min
See All (295)

4.8
out of 5
150 Ratings

About

PolliNation is a podcast from Oregon State University Extension Service that tells the stories of researchers, land managers and concerned citizens who are making bold strides to improve the health of pollinators.

Information

  • Creator
    Andony Melathopoulos
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    295
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    PolliNation Podcast

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