Buzz around local bees
Landing soon — There will be a presentation on the benefits of bees in Trail on Nov. 24.
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Updated: November 19, 2009 12:26 PM
Whether you want a little more colour in your backyard, want to help wildlife, or are interested in increasing crop production in an environmentally-friendly manner, an upcoming free presentation about native bees will fit the bill.
Pollinators That Really Perform will be held on Monday November 23 in Nelson at the Public Library (Victoria St. entrance), starting at 7 p.m. The presentation is hosted by the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program and highlights the importance of native bees to the world around us and provides valuable tips on how to attract them to your backyard and keep them there.
“When you mention bees, most people think of honey bees that were imported from Europe,” said entomologist (insect biologist) and presenter Lynn Westcott.
“Native bees, however, are a very different beast. There are hundreds of native bee species in Canada and nearly all are non-aggressive; they are also incredibly efficient pollinators.”
Pollination is key to our ecosystems. Nearly 90 per cent of all plants require pollination for fertilization and one third of what we eat depends on it. It is critical for biodiversity, wildlife, agriculture and colourful gardens.
This wide-ranging presentation explores native bee identification, the important role they play in the environment, the different bee groups that might be encountered in the West Kootenay, and how to build simple bee “condos” that will attract them.
“The variation in their colour, size and appearance is incredible,” said FWCP senior wildlife biologist John Krebs.
“Given the critical role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and human food systems we should be doing everything we can to help these amazing pollinators.”
The Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program works on behalf of its program partners the Ministry of Environment, BC Hydro and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife impacted by the construction of BC Hydro dams.
Registration is not required, but if you would like to know more about the event call the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program at 250-352-6874 or visit www.fwcp.ca.
