Requiem BEE FOR A

March Against Monsanto at City Hall (Right) Brandon and Susan Pollard join a City Hall protest against the widespread use of herbicides and pesticides. The marchers oppose Monsanto, bioengineers of agricultural chemicals. (Below) A thousand strong, protestors wind from City Hall toward the Farmers Market and back. Monsanto opponents blame the corporation, among others, for the drastic reduction of bee populations. The company has publicly denied that its products are the problem and has announced its intentions to help find a solution. Later that day, as the crowd thins, Brandon Pollard shakes his head, laments the lack of media presence and says, with a sad smile, “Preaching to the choir.”

Blood, sweat and honey (Above) Weary beekeeper Susan Pollard wipes sweat off her brow as her partner and husband logs the condition of hives. As for wearing bee suits in thick Texas heat, Brandon Pollard says, “It’s all part of the beezness.” (Right) In their efforts to sustain and re-populate the species, the Pollards and their honeybee guild oversee several honey-producing hives in backyards and gardens around the city with a high concentration in the White Rock area. Zip Code Honey from those hives is sold in neighborhood eateries and stores, such as Natural Grocers.