Bee species number in the thousands, but nearly all of their ranks are suffering from mites, and mysterious illness know as Colony Collapse Disorder. Vermont's wild and cultivated bees are fairing better than bees in other regions, but they aren't immune to these afflictions, and the damage to the bees can extend to agriculture and the rest of the ecosystem. Beekeeper Bill Mares, author of "Bees Besieged," and Rowan Jacobsen, author of the new book, "Fruitless Fall," join us to look at the health of Vermont's bees. (Listen)

Also in the program, Tasha Tudor, one of the nation's best-loved children's illustrators, died last week at the age of 92. The Marlboro resident was known for her delicate images and borders, done in watercolor and pencil, that evoked a rustic 19th century world of good children. Amy Tudor talks with Jane Lindholm about Tasha Tudor's legacy. (Listen)

And get your wickets and mallets ready: a croquet league in Bennington has begun its summer season, and we visit with enthusiasts enjoying this pastoral pastime.(Listen)

Comments from listeners:

Annie from New Haven:
There will be a Northeast Organic Farming Association summer workshop on Planting for the Honeybees on Saturday, August 30, at Honey Gardens in Ferrisburgh, from 9-12. This will address what to plant in your own yard and garden to provide nectar and pollen for the bees.

Terry from Middlesex:
So I've seen 2 Ichneumon wasps in the past week. These ones had really long ovipositors. I've never seen them here before. Hmm....