The Town of Whitby is celebrating public art, environmental conservation, and recognizing its status as a Bee City by transforming a 100-year-old black walnut tree into a public art installation in advance of World Bee Day on May 20.

The Town commissioned tree carver Ryan Locke, known by his Instagram handle @thetimberripper, to bring his expertise and passion for woodworking to the endeavor.

Located in a prominent spot within the Town, across from Whitby’s historic Centennial Building and Courthouse Theatre, the old walnut tree has been transformed into a honeycomb with intricately carved bees – highlighting the important role of bees in the local ecosystem and giving the tree new life.

This project was the first public art project completed under Town’s new Public Art Policy which was passed by Council in February 2024.

For more information on the carving and Whitby’s Public Art projects, visit the Town’s arts trail and follow us on Instagram at @ExploreWhitby.