Karen Dunn helps uncovering the buzz around bees
Buzz into the world of bees with Karen Dunn, a devoted beekeeper and zoologist, as she unravels the mysteries of solitary bees. Learn how you can contribute to bee conservation and embrace eco-friendly gardening practices.
Karen Dunn, a passionate zoologist and beekeeper, has dedicated her life to educating others about the fascinating world of bees.
Her first encounter with these remarkable insects occurred at the tender age of six when she and her brother were warned to stay away from a bee hive nestled in a tree.
Read more: Karen Dunn illuminates the world of solitary bees
Ignoring the advice, they poked the hive with a stick, leading to a memorable chase by angry bees. This early experience sparked a lifelong interest in bees, particularly solitary species, which are often misunderstood.
Dunn studied zoology at Wits in 2005 but ventured into marketing and mining before returning to her roots in zoology. Her beekeeping journey began nine years ago when a colleague fell from a ladder, leaving her to take over the hive.
During the Covid pandemic, she became increasingly fascinated by solitary bees in her garden, realizing their critical role in our ecosystem. Many people hold misconceptions about bees, primarily associating them with honey production and stinging.
Also read: Celebrate World Bee Day
Dunn emphasises that while honey bees are well-known, solitary bees are often overlooked and face significant threats. She aims to change this narrative by encouraging community engagement through citizen science platforms like iNaturalist, where individuals can document and learn about local bee species.
Dunn’s greatest joy comes from observing the intricate behaviors of bees, such as a leafcutter bee meticulously gathering leaves for its nest.
She hopes to inspire others to adopt bee-friendly gardening practices, such as planting diverse flowers and avoiding harmful pesticides.
As a member of the Johannesburg Garden Club and the Gardens of The Golden City, Dunn is committed to fostering a deeper connection between people and these vital pollinators, ensuring a brighter future for all bee species.
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