From Hives to Hotels:
Thames Bluewater Métis Council expands the Native Bee Monitoring Project
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Native Bee Monitoring Project has generated a lot of buzz across our communities!
Due to the tremendous popularity of the Native Bee Monitoring Project supplies were quick to run out and many would-be apiarists missed out. So, the Thames Bluewater Métis Council (TBWMC) flew into action to expand the initiative in their own community.
Thanks to funds flowing through the MNO Cultural Commission (MNOCC), TBWMC President Kathleen Anderson enlisted the local chapter of the Lions Club to construct the wooden bee hotels out of repurposed wood for their own “bee hotels” for community members. These sustainable bee houses lessen the environmental footprint of the initiative, provide more at-risk native bees with flourishing safe spaces, and allowed an additional 15 citizens to be involved in this exciting research opportunity. Additionally, all proceeds the Lions received for the bee hotels will be donated to an environmental charity.
Bees play an essential part in the maintaining of our ecosystem, however factors like climate change, pesticide use and habitat loss have contributed to a decline in native bee populations. As a people committed to the lands and environment, Métis leadership and citizens across Ontario are taking hives into their own hands to help grow the project.
Great work and marsii to our leadership and volunteers!
About the project
The MNO Native Bee Monitoring Project encourages Métis households to support local bees, specifically solitary bees that nest in hollow cavities (e.g. mason, leafcutter, and other species) in three main ways:
- Setting up a bee hotel
- Reporting on plant bloom times
- Filling out an end-of-season survey (reporting on species, weather, etc.)
Keep checking the website and social for more updates on this project!