Date: September 16th, 2018
Time: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: High Lonesome Nature Reserve (near Pakenham)
Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust (MMLT) invites families and all interested individuals to participate in a Bee Hotel Workshop on Sunday, September 16 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm at the High Lonesome Nature Reserve.
Care for your garden as nature intended… with the help of useful insects. Bees, wasps and assorted mini-beasts are beneficial both to people and the ecosystem as a whole, both for pollination and for natural pest control. They have a symbiotic relationship with other creatures, in other words they play a role in the balance of nature. The diversity of these creatures will fascinate and engage you.
Ontario is home to some 350 species of bees alone, most of which are unaggressive solitary bees that must find narrow cavities, hollow crevices and similar spaces to lay their eggs. Numerous solitary wasps, which also pose no threat to gardeners or to children, also use holes like these to build nests. Unfortunately, as is the case with many insects, their numbers are declining so why not help them out while having some fun making a Bee Hotel that will encourage them and other beneficial bugs to make their home in your backyard.
At the Bee Hotel Workshop, you will learn about bees, wasps and other mini beasts as Dr. Rob Longair explains their important role in the natural world and the distinctive shelters and nesting material that each requires. You then become creative as you choose from the various blocks, reeds, and other materials to construct, furnish and decorate your very own bug condo that will be stylish while providing a much needed and safe habitat in which to hibernate, to house eggs and larvae and to spend the winter. The Almonte Naismith Men’s Shed are providing the shells for the hotels with MMLT supplying the hotel furnishings.
Open to adults and children aged 5+. Anyone under 16 must be registered with an adult. Each family or individual registrant will assemble one Bee Hotel.
The cost for MMLT members is $40, non-members $50. Pre-registration is required using the form below and is non-refundable. The workshop will accommodate 25 families or individuals so register early.