Media Advisory, June 24, 2014

Contact:  Jaclyn Lopez, (727) 490-9190, jlopez@biologicaldiversity.org
Bill Hamilton, (904) 808-0254, gwhiii@bellsouth.net

Study: Bee-killing Pesticides Found in "Bee-friendly" Garden Plants

Research Results to Be Released at Rally and Press Conference

Honey bee
This honey bee photo is available for media use.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla.— Many “bee-friendly” home garden plants sold at major garden retailers have been pretreated with pesticides shown to harm and kill bees and other pollinator insects, according to a new study to be released on Wednesday at a press conference and rally. The study, Gardeners Beware 2014, is the largest effort to date to test home garden plants for the presence of bee harming neonicotinoid pesticides.

At the press conference, representatives from the Environmental Youth Council and the Center for Biological Diversity will discuss the study’s findings, as well as the response of the stores, and what gardeners can do to protect bees in their gardens. Other events will include the premiere of a short film by EYC; a presentation on creating a healthy pollinator garden; and a reception featuring music and local honey.

What: Save the Bees Event

Where: St. Augustine Amphitheater, 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080

When: Wednesday, June 25, 6-9 p.m.


The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 775,000 members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.

The Environmental Youth Council is a group concerned with social and environmental issues on a local to global scale. We look to bridge the gap between those concerned and those in action.


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