Photo: Lynn Westcott
Upcoming Presentation on Native Bees
Biologist Lynn Westcott will deliver a native bee presentation highlighting the important role these power pollinators play. Plus, you will get how-to info to make your own bee "condo" that will attract bees to your garden.
Castlegar Saturday, May 15 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Hosted by the Castlegar Garden & Nature Fest
Free.
More: castlegargardenfest@shaw.ca
If you can't make it to one of these sessions, follow the
instructions below and make your own bee "condo."
Bees Matter
Bees are a critical part of the biological ecosystem. They are among the most important pollinators of food plants (like wild berries) consumed by local wildlife. They are also a food source for many small animals including woodpeckers and toads.
Pesticides and habitat loss due to ongoing human activities and development, have decreased the North American bee population. Habitat changes related to climate change are also expected to threaten these important pollinators.
Native Bee Study Underway
In order to gather key local information, the FWCP is funding a study of native bee populations in 2009-2010 along the Columbia and Pend d'Oreille rivers between Syringa Provincial Park and the Canada-U.S. border.
Attract Bees to Your Gardens
Bees are attracted to bright white, yellow, blue or violet flowers, which often have nectar guides - lines on the flower that point to the nectar source. Bees with short tongues prefer clusters of little flowers, such as marigold, daisy, and phlox. Native plants are better able to provide for pollinators because they are adapted to the area.
 
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Photo: Lynn Westcott
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Build a Nest Box for Bees
Bees need a place to live. Try making your own bee "condo" from a piece of firewood or a stump.
 
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Photo: Lynn Westcott
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This bee "condo" was made by taking a round of firewood and drilling a multitude of holes ranging in diameter from 3/32" up to 1/4", with all drill bit sizes in between. Cavity-nesting native bees often use the vacated holes of the larvae of wood-boring beetles so this bee "condo" mimics what the bees would use in nature. The holes are a minimum of 3/4" apart (centre to centre), but otherwise randomly scattered over the firewood.
On top of the condo is a water source (for birds and bees), complete with a floating cork or small stick that will help to allow insects get out of the water if they fall in!
More instructions on how to build your own bee nest.
 
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Creston Bee Homes
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Be a Pollinator Observer
Report your sightings of pollinators and you could be helping to conserve these important invertebrates.
Find Out More
