The Bee Awareness Society is thrilled to offer a “live learning tool” to local schools in the West Kootenays. Using observation bee hives, the Society teaches students about the vital role that honeybees and other pollinators play in food production.

“There are fewer honeybees, bee species and other pollinators available for pollination,” project coordinator Linda Martin explains. “We knew we needed to expand our education and outreach efforts.”

With funding through the Bee BC Program to conduct their Bee Awareness School Education project, the Society teamed up with the Mount Sentinel Secondary Woodworking Shop to build ten glass observation bee hives which will now be used to provide the learning module at new schools.

According to Linda, she could not have asked for more willing volunteers.

“Our project was very successful, the students of Mount Sentinel woodworking shop were very knowledgeable, eager and hard working to complete the construction and finishing of the bee hives,” she reports.

To date the Society has educated approximately 2,000 children about the plight of the honeybees and other pollinators, including what children and their families can do in their own backyards and community to mitigate the risks posed towards pollinators.

While there tends to be tremendous enthusiasm and support within the community, Linda is grateful that provincial funding has allowed them to enhance their outreach efforts.

“Initiatives like the Bee BC Program are instrumental for helping us co-create a healthy and sustainable environment for bees, other pollinators and mankind,” she asserts.

Funding: $5,000 through the BC Government’s Bee BC Program. (BEE017)