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Bee workshops tonight, this Saturday to educate on pollinators

The Cochrane Public Library will be abuzz tonight with talk about pollinators. The third annual
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A honey bee visits columnist’s apple tree. Tonight's workshop at the Cochrane Public Library talks about preserving and protecting bumblebee populations. Photo by Warren Harbeck

The Cochrane Public Library will be abuzz tonight with talk about pollinators.

A Very Bee'sy Summer is a free workshop on all things bumblebee (note, not honey bee) that takes place tonight (July 23) at the Cochrane Public Library from 6:30-8 p.m.

For those buzzing with environmental concern on how to protect and preserve local bumblebee populations, the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation has brought in Tiffani Harrison, Alberta program coordinator for Wildlife Preservation Canada's Pollinator Initiative, to talk about organization, the initiative and bumblebee recovery programs.

"There will be a major focus on bumble bee citizen science initiatives led by WPC in both Alberta and Ontario, with an emphasis on the value of Bumble Bee Watch– our citizen science database platform – to pollinator research across North America," explained Harrison. "The presentation will finish off with how people can get involved and support bumble bee conservation."

And some people may be surprised to learn that when talking sustainability as it relates to bees, honey bees are not among pollinator favourites and can actually do more harm to local pollinator populations than good.

"When looking to support our pollinators it’s important to support the right ones," said Harrison. "Pollinator conservation should focus on our native bees, including our bumble bees, unlike honey bees which are actually not native to North America. With over 4000 species of native bees in North America, honeybees becoming the face of the “save the bees” movement is a huge misconception. Unlike some of our bumble bees, honey bees are not at risk of extinction. From Europe, and often imported for agriculture pollination and honey production, honey bees can in fact negatively impact our native bee populations."

Those unable to attend tonight's workshop may wish to take part in an outdoor survey workshop at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park on Saturday, July 27 from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. This workshop will teach participants to catch and identify bumble bees.

To learn more contact [email protected].

 

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