Learn how you can make a difference at What the Buzz, an interactive bee and pollinator reserve in Second Life, and the catalyst for The Nature Collective by Emmalee Evergarden.

Emmalee shares her inspiration behind What the Buzz and The Nature Collective:

“I've always been a nature lover. I'm usually the one stopping to look at a plant or flower, insects, birds, or trees while everyone else is hurrying along, and saving the bees has always been a passion of mine. 

When I joined SL a couple of years ago, I felt it was the perfect way to create a way for people to become immersed in nature and learn about what they can do to help save the bees and other pollinators. I hope they visit What the Buzz and walk away with some ideas on small changes they can implement in their day-to-day lives to help make a difference. 

I got sick a couple of years ago and it affected my ability to do a lot of the things I was once physically able to do. Creating What the Buzz has helped me heal and given me a way to get out into nature, even if in the virtual world. In a way the bees saved me, so it only seems right that I do what I can to help save them right back.

What the Buzz has also been the catalyst for my other project, The Nature Collective which has grown in leaps and bounds over the past year. I founded the group with the idea of  creating a community of like minded nature loving people.  

TNC now has over 130 member locations and over 1100 group members. We have organized events with the Mainland Community Alliance. We have group SLRR rides, horseback rides, and group sails. We also have our own book club where we read and meet up to discuss nature-themed and related books.

All of this is because of the bees and because Second Life has given me the platform to build and create. 

It truly is a magical place!”

Video Production by Draxtor Despres

What the Buzz Bee & Pollinator Reserve

What the Buzz is an interactive bee and pollinator reserve where you can embark on a quest to find lost scientific journal pages and learn about different ways you can help save the bees. Stop by the farmers market and gift shop, and visit the Field Research Station where you can learn more about bees and what is causing their decline. There are even beehives you can help tend to!

Visit in Second Life