Centre for Bee Ecology, Evolution and Conservation hosts garden party for World Bee Day

Centre for Bee Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (BEEc) teams up again with Environmental & Urban Change (EUC) for another fun and informative session to celebrate World Bee Day and planting native flowers! BEEc and EUC welcome all members of the University to volunteer at the Native Plant Garden on May 20 from 2:30 to 5pm.

World Bee Day is celebrated every year to raise awareness about the critical role bees and other pollinators play in sustaining healthy ecosystems which in turn, sustain people and the planet. Pollinators such as bees help pollinator about 80% of the crops we need to survive.

There are more than 360 native species of bees across the GTA with close to 1000 native species across Canada. Many of these species are unmanaged and rely on natural, diverse, floral gardens to sustain their populations. Continued threats to native pollinators include habitat loss (urbanization, agricultural expansion), climate change, pesticides, and disease.

The Native Plant Garden aims to promote native pollinator diversity. This event is sponsored in part by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Canada and we welcome all staff, students, faculty, and members of the community. There will be “mini teaches” where experts will talk about the diverse bees we can find in our own backyard, handouts, and hands-on learning about planting and sustaining native plants.

Those interested in joining this event can RSVP here by Tuesday May 13th. No prior experience or personal equipment required to join the fun gardening experience. Dress for the elements! This event will happen rain or shine!