Pollinator Protectors Gather on the Rose Kennedy Greenway

On November 19, Environment Massachusetts along with some of our coalition partners gathered on the Rose Kennedy Greenway to show support for the bees. The Greenway set the perfect backdrop with its bee-friendly practices, including pollinator gardens and a commitment to pesticide-free green space in Boston.

With the rusty patched bumblebee now listed as endangered and about a quarter of all bumblebee species at risk of extinction, it’s time to address one of the major threats bees are facing. Seeds coated with neonicotinoids (“neonics”) are the single greatest use of this bee-killing pesticide in the U.S. The EPA estimates that between 70-80% of corn, soybeans and cotton seeds are treated with these highly bee-toxic insecticides and the list continues to grow, including canola, wheat, sunflowers, potatoes, and many vegetables.

Environment Massachusetts and our coalition partners are taking the necessary steps to urge  Governor Maura Healey to act now by prohibiting the use of neonic-coated seeds here in Massachusetts, and we will continue to gather further support from businesses, other groups, and individuals until Massachusetts bees have pesticide-free habitats to survive and thrive in.

Read more about the campaign here.