The Bees Needs: Why pollinators are in trouble and how you can support them with flowers

Thursday, March 19, 7:00 pm
Ecolodge Classroom @ Tofino Botanical Gardens (1084 Pacific Rim Hwy)

$5 at the door

You’ve probably seen it in the news: the bees are in trouble.  Much of the press is on the managed honey bee, an important component of agricultural systems.  But many of the earth’s 20,000 other species of bee—and some of the 450 species we have here in BC—are experiencing population declines, and these insects provide essential pollination services not only to crops but also to wild plants.  What can you do to help provide the bees needs, and reduce their risk of extinction?  In this presentation, you’ll learn about the amazing diversity of wild pollinators, how critical they are for plant reproduction, and how gardens as well as natural areas can provide both food and nests to support them.

Elizabeth Elle is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at SFU.  Formerly a high school teacher, she returned to university to foster a career that combined the pursuit of learning with her love of teaching.  She has been a member of national (the Canadian Pollination Initiative) and international (the Integrated Crop Pollination Project) research collaborations aimed at protecting pollinators and enhancing pollination services to wildflowers and crops.  She is also an award-winning teacher dedicated to both traditional university education and public engagement with the important conservation issues of our day.  Elizabeth recently became the inaugural Vice Provost for Learning and Teaching at SFU, and although much of her time is now dedicated to her administrative role, she really just wants everyone to know that bees are awesome, and if you are worried about pollinator declines you should plant a garden.