Bees pollinate more than 130 fruit, vegetable, and seed crops that we rely on to survive. Bees are crucial to the reproduction and diversity of flowering plants, and the economic contributions of these irreplaceable insects measure in the tens of billions of dollars each year. Yet bees are dying at an alarming rate, threatening food supplies and ecosystems around the world.

In this natural history talk, Noah Wilson-Rich provides a window into the vitally important role that bees play in the life of our planet. He speaks about the human–bee relationship through time; explains a bit about bee evolution, ecology, and physiology; and shares his holistic approach to bee health and how you can help bee populations.

This talk was filmed at the Arnold Arboretum on December 9, 2014.