After three years of study, Island naturalists found that goldenrod planted at Island farms has aided pollinators, which are an integral part of the ecosystem.

It has been a harrowing two decades for the European honeybee, and the thousands of apiarists who keep them. A host of factors likely contributed to the phenomenon, but on the Vineyard one pest has risen above the rest to become enemy number one: the indomitable varroa mite.

Vineyard Haven beekeeper Tim Colon received more calls than usual this year from startled Islanders reporting swarms of bees. A swarm is awe-inspiring to witness.

Carpenter bees are coming out of the woodwork.

Native bees deserve much credit, and are impressive in their pollinating talent, diversity and sheer numbers.

A discussion next week will look at the importance of native bees and how to create a welcoming habitat for them.