Friend,

If we could put on special goggles to see through a bee's eyes, we would see flowers in a wondrous new way.

Though a bee's eyesight is a little fuzzier than ours, they can see ultraviolet light. Flowers have hidden UV patterns that only bees can see, patterns and colors that are invisible to the human eye.1 Those unique patterns and colors act like a landing pad on the flower, helping bees see where to collect their food.

But bees can't see the toxic pesticides that are killing them. That's why Environment Colorado is working to protect these precious pollinators from pesticide-poisoned places.

We've set a goal of raising $35,000 by midnight on Sept. 30 to help save the bees. Join our hive with a donation today.

Secret UV messages help bees find nectar and pollen -- like the bright ultraviolet bullseye that draws a bee toward the florets at the center of a sunflower.2 Bees' special eyesight has even allowed them to recognize and remember human faces.3

When seeking out breakfast for its hive, a bee is looking for an appetizing set of petals to land on. But by the time a bee finds its morning sustenance, it may be too late to avoid the toxic pesticides laced in its food.

Bees don't know how to avoid this threat, but we can help them if we stop using bee-killing pesticides.

With your support, we're making a difference for our bees. Our national network has already helped win bans on some of the worst uses of neonics in seven states, and we're working to do the same here in Colorado. And we're continuing our campaign to save the bees by urging the Biden administration to ban the worst uses of bee-killing pesticides nationwide.

Until every bee species is fully protected, we won't stop defending these small buzzing pollinators.

Will you help us meet our goal of raising $35,000 by Sept. 30?

Thank you,

Ellen Montgomery

1. Neil Bowdler, "Database shows how bees see world in UV," BBC News, December 13, 2010.
2. Natalia Mesa, "Sunflowers' Bee-Attracting Ultraviolet Also Helps Retain Moisture," The Scientist, February 8, 2022.
3. "Bees recognize human faces," Science, December 2, 2005.

Your donation will be used to support all of our campaigns to protect the environment, from saving the bees and protecting public lands, to standing up for clean water and fighting climate change. None of our work would be possible without supporters like you. Environment Colorado may transfer up to $50 per dues-paying member per year into the Environment Colorado Small Donor Committee.