On Friday, August 22, 2025, we celebrate National Honey Bee Day, a time to recognize one of the world’s most important pollinators. Honey Bees are more than just the buzzing insects we see in our gardens. They are essential workers in our ecosystems and our food systems.
Honey bees belong to the genus Apis, with the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) being the most widespread species in the United States, including here in Florida. Globally, there are seven recognized species of honey bees and over 40 subspecies, though Apis mellifera is the one most familiar to us. Beyond honey bees, the world is home to more than 20,000 species of bees altogether, many of which also play vital roles in pollination. Here in Florida, we most often see the European honey bee, but other native pollinators, like bumble bees, sweat bees, and carpenter bees, also contribute to keeping our plants thriving.
The name “honey bee” comes from their unique ability to produce and store honey, a food source they create by transforming nectar. This sweet substance has not only sustained bee colonies for countless generations, but has also been harvested and cherished by humans for thousands of years.
Honey bees are vital to both the environment and humanity. Honey bees and other pollinators help fertilize flowering plants by transferring pollen, which allows plants to reproduce. This process supports biodiversity and provides food sources for countless animals. For humans, roughly one-third of the food we eat depends on pollination, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Beyond food, bees contribute to crops like cotton, which is necessary for clothing. And of course, they gift us honey, beeswax, and other valuable products that many people utilize every day. Without honey bees, the ripple effect on ecosystems and agriculture would be enormous.
This National Honey Bee Day, you can do more than just appreciate bees; you can also take part in protecting them! On August 22, 2025, Broward County will host The Great Southeast Pollinator Census at the Broward County Extension FFL Butterfly Garden. The event is hosted by UF/IFAS Extension & Florida Master Gardener Volunteers and takes place from 9:00am to 12:00pm. This event invites community members to become citizen scientists for the day by counting and recording pollinators. It’s a hands-on way to learn about the bees, butterflies, and other insects that keep our ecosystems healthy while contributing valuable data to regional conservation efforts. Follow the link below to learn more!
Honey bees are a symbol of hard work, cooperation, and the interconnectedness of nature. On National Honey Bee Day, let’s celebrate their contributions, support local conservation efforts, and do our part to ensure these tiny pollinators continue to thrive.