Wildsight Invermere is proud to host two special events about wild native bees in the East Kootenay with renowned bee scientist Lincoln Best on October 6 and 7 at the Wilmer Community Hall (a five-minute drive from Invermere).

This is a unique opportunity to learn from a passionate speaker and scientist who recently discovered a new bee family in the Kootenays.

“The Kootenays have among the highest densities of pollinator species in Canada, and we can use this information to our advantage to manage the land more effectively,” Best said to the Castlegar News about his discovery. “A benefit to all stakeholders.”

On Friday evening, October 6 at 7 p.m., join Best for a lively one-hour public presentation about native bees in the East Kootenay (including the unique bee only found in Canal Flats). Find out how our wild native bee populations must compete with honeybees and what personal actions we can take to help them thrive in our own backyards. Admission is by donation.

The daylong workshop on Saturday, October 7 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) will allow participants to develop a deeper understanding about the biodiversity and conservation of East Kootenay native bees. No background knowledge or experience is required, and the workshop will be of interest to all outdoor enthusiasts. Best will demonstrate how individuals can support our native bee populations through habitat conservation. Activities will include peering through microscopes at different bee species, building a take-home native bee house and looking at basic concepts of landscape design and plantings for pollinators.

Register online through Wildsight’s website.

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Wildsight Invermere

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