By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley
There was plenty of buzz at the ROC on June 20 as residents of all ages gathered for the Pollinator Power Workshop: Learn, Plant, Protect.
The event, organized by the Environmental Advisory Committee of the Town of Georgina, attracted nature lovers eager to learn how to help pollinators thrive.
Guest speaker Annika Wilcox, of Wildlife Preservation Canada, shared fascinating insights into the world of native bees and pollinator conservation. Many participants were surprised to learn that Ontario is home to about 400 native species of bee, including approximately 16 kinds of bumble bee!
“I was shocked by how many species there are,” said Barb Banfield. “My garden isn’t really a pollinator garden yet, but now it will be. I learned a lot, including that it’s important to use native plants. It was definitely worth coming.”
Wilma Bunnik, who attended with her 9-year-old grandson, said the event was both fun and eye-opening.
“I want to help pollinators, and I wanted my grandson to learn too,” she said. “I learned that when you’re cleaning up your garden, it’s best to wait until after Mother’s Day, because pollinators may still be sheltering there. Even if you do clean up, you can gently move the material to a corner. I never thought about that.”
One of the most popular attractions was the self-serve wildflower seed bar, where participants left with free seeds and planting advice.
The idea for the event came from residents Debbie Gordon and Amanda Gordon of Cloverhill Flowers. Some of the wildflower seeds came from there.
“It’s fantastic that the town was so receptive,” said Amanda. “I am passionate about gardening and know how important pollinator gardens are for our local ecosystem. Even though I’ve worked with flowers for years, I still learned a lot.”
One fact particularly caught her attention. Some flowers do NOT release their pollen unless a bee vibrates them at the right frequency.
“It’s like the bee is saying, ‘Open up — give me the pollen!'” she laughed.
As a designated Bee City, Georgina continues to expand pollinator habitat, including the enhancement of 6 acres for wildflowers.
Participants hope the workshop becomes an annual event. Judging by the enthusiasm, as people headed home with pockets full of wildflower seeds, it seems the idea has already taken root.
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