Honey bee on salvia. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey) How to Donate
We receive many requests asking how to donate to honey bee research at the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility at UC Davis.
Here's how to donate (see below). For more information contact Chief Administratative Officer Janet Brown-Simmons, UC Davis Department of Entomology, (530) 752-0476, or email her at jbsimmons@ucdavis.edu.
Honey Bee Research. Funds to the “Honeybee Research Program” are used to further bee research at the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility. Click to donate online. Or, you may write a check to "UC Regents," with the subject line "Honey Bee Research" and mail to UC Davis Department of Entomology, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616.
Research received a big boost in 2008 when Häagen-Dazs donated $100,000 to UC Davis and launched a help-the-honey-bees website.
Honey Bee Stock Improvement Program. This project strengthens domestic honey bee breeding stocks, increases genetic diversity and provides access to programs abroad selecting for resistance to pests and diseases through the importation of germplasm from endemic European populations. Imported honey bee semen from Apis mellifera carnica, Apis m. ligustica and Apis. m. caucasica have been imported and inseminated to virgin queens in cooperation with the California queen producers. This program is a collaborative and on-going effort with Washington State University and the California Technology Transfer Team.
Make checks to “The UC Regents,” with the subject line: "Susan Cobey, Stock Improvement Program.”
Cobey, who joined the UC Davis Department of Entomology in 2007, is internationally known for her work is instrumental insemination and stock improvement. She offers specialized short courses to encourage bee breeding and draws students from all over the world. She often has a waiting list.
Cooperative Extension. This supports the outreach programs of Cooperative Extension apiculturist Eric Mussen, internationally known for his bee expertise. Make checks to “The UC Regents,” with the subject line: "Eric Mussen, Cooperative Extension.”
Mussen, who joined the UC Davis Department of Entomology in 1976, is widely sought for his expertise on colony collapse disorder, honey bee nutrition, diseases, pesticides, crop pollination and beekeeping. He writes the bimonthy newsletter, from the UC Apiaries, and Bee Briefs.
Laidlaw Endowment. Harry Hyde Laidlaw Jr. (1907-2003) was considered the “father of honey bee genetics.” He joined the UC Davis Department of Entomology in 1947, retiring in 1974. He remained active in his research and outreach programs until shortly before his death at age 96.
Make checks to “The UC Davis Foundation,” with the subject line, “Laidlaw Endowment.” The university takes 6 percent in overhead costs the first (and only) year. A portion of the funds is used to support students working in honey bee biology.
Bee Biology Facility Support. Make checks to “The UC Regents,” with the subject line, “Bee Biology Facility Support.” The university takes 6 percent in overhead costs the first (and only) year of the contribution. This supports facility improvements.
The 8,200 square-foot Laidlaw facility is home to laboratories, a honey bee food processing room, a large multipurpose room, glassed observation hives, offices and a wood shop.
Charles R. Duncan Endowment. Charles R. Duncan (1926-2003) was a Santa Monica resident and retired aerospace engineer who kept bees as a hobby. He was an avid supporter of honey bees and beekeeping. Make checks to “The UC Davis Foundation,” with the subject line, “Charles R. Duncan Endowment.” The interest on this endowment supports students studying honey bee biology.
Duncan served as president of the Los Angeles County Beekeepers' Association and the Western Apicultural Society, and was a lifetime honorary member of the California State Beekeepers' Association.