Western is the first University recognized by Bee City Canada

Beekeeper Rick Huismann 

Western University is buzzing with excitement of being Bee City Canada’s first Bee University Campus in Canada!

The Bee City designation is given to communities that establish and maintain healthy pollinator habitat within their boundaries and includes cities, First Nations, businesses, and schools. To be recognized, participants are committed to:

• Creating, maintaining and/or improving pollinator habitat
• Educating their community about the importance of pollinators
• Celebrating pollinators during International Pollinator Week or at other times

Creating and maintaining and/or improving pollinator habitat

With over 422 acres, the Western University campus provides many opportunities for pollinator friendly spaces and plants to be integrated. Over the next 5 years, several of Western’s gardens and manicured areas will include more native plant species and plants. Along with already established pollinator friendly trees, Landscape Services has begun the process by increasing plantings of ironweed, liatris, and Joe Pye weed.

Similarly, Western’s Indigenous Studies students have created a medicinal garden on campus. The garden features many native plants sought by pollinators.

Educating the community about the importance of pollinators

Another key component of the designation includes educating the campus community on the benefits of being bee friendly. Our Green campus is an ongoing lecture series at Western. This coming academic year, the lecture series will include a module focusing on pollinators. Participants will learn about care for native plants and enticing habitat, including creating Bee Condos.

Celebrating pollinators during International Pollinator Week

Western is hosting a Pollinator Week during the academic year, with the goal of engaging students, staff, and faculty.  The week will be highlighted by a booth on campus, interactive information about pollinators and current campus initiatives, and social media updates. Participants may also sample or buy pollinator friendly products, such as Great Hall Catering’s honey, harvested from beehives on campus.

To date, Bee City Canada recognizes the participation of 16 cities, 8 businesses, and 15 schools.