June 20 to 26 is Pollinator Week. It’s a time to celebrate the important role pollinators like bees, birds, bats and butterflies play in our local ecosystem and in supporting global food production.

As a designated Bee City, and a member of the Mayors Monarch Pledge, Whitby is committed to protecting pollinators and their habitat. There are a number of fun activities for residents to take part in during Pollinator Week, including:

1. Attend the Meet the Bee Keeper Workshop

Tuesday, June 21 from 7 to 8 p.m., Whitby Civic Park

Go behind the scenes with the beekeeper who takes care of the Town’s urban beehive on the rooftop of Town Hall. The beekeeper will walk you through the hive’s different products including wax, pollen, honey and more. You will also learn about members of the hive: the female worker bees, male drones and Her Majesty the Queen Bee. Participants will receive a jar of honey. This workshop is sponsored by Elexicon Energy. 

Register for the Meet the Bee Keeper Workshop now

2. Participate in a Pollinator Planting Event

Thursday, June 23 from 6 to 8 p.m., Vanier Park

Join the Town to plant a native pollinator garden and help provide better habitat for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The event will take place rain or shine – please dress for the weather.  This event qualifies for high school community service hours – please bring your school’s volunteer form to the event. Participants will receive a native plant to take home.

Register for the Pollinator Planting event now

3. Visit one of the Town’s pollinator gardens

Check out the Town’s interactive Parks map to locate pollinator gardens. Find one near you to visit and encounter bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Simply open the map and apply the “pollinator garden” filter.

4. Plant your own native garden

Pollinators love diverse gardens with native plants. They are also a gardener’s dream as they require less water than non-native plants. Learn more about the types of native plants that are best for Whitby pollinators.

5. Participate in Bumble Bee Watch

Did you know you can help track and conserve North America’s bumble bees by reporting sightings of bumble bee through the Bumble Bee Watch App? Simply take a photo of a bumble bee, log in and upload your photo, identify your species and have your sighting verified by an expert! Your participation will help researchers track the bumble bee population, including confirming rare or endangered populations.

6. Plant a tree for a pollinator

Now that you know pollinators love trees, why not plant your own? The Town offers plants, trees and shrubs at a subsidized price through the LEAFBackyard Tree Planting Program. Learn more.

Thank you to our event sponsors Elexicon Energy,

For more information, visit whitby.ca/Sustainability.