Veroa mites and brown hive beetles wiped out a lot of hives around New Jersey about 10 years ago. I haven't heard anything recently because I haven't been in touch with any beekeepers since then. That however can't be attributed to the widespread mass disappearance, it remains a mystery despite all attempts to find a cause. I haven't seen a bee in years, I have to look at a picture to remind me what they look like.

"Contrast that with years past when they were everywhere amongst the flowers."
You have clover, when I was a kid the huge back yard was a field of clover loaded with bees. I got stung too many times so I decided it wasn't a good idea to go barefoot. That reminds me, Barefoot In The Park was filmed at a time sane people wouldn't dare, not just the bees but doggie mines too. (;->)