The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Environment and Climate Change Department first launched their Native Bee Conservation Program in 2022 to engage Citizens in bee conservation, and support Alberta’s native bees. To-date, nearly 1000 Citizens across the province been provided with native bee conservation kits.
Each year the program is offered, MNA Citizens who are interested will register through an online form to be part of a randomized draw to receive a native bee conservation kit. Keep an eye out in the early months of the new year to have your chance to participate.
The kit includes:
- A bee nesting box
- Native pollinator wildflower seeds
- Educational information on native bees in Alberta (provided by the Edmonton & Area Land Trust)
- Various guides: Instruction, installation & maintenance, iNaturalist How-to
- Cleaning tools
- Extra replacement straws
MNA Citizens participating in the program are asked to place the bee nesting box on their property, plant native wildflower seeds, and report back on the activity in the fall. Learn more about the program and Alberta’s native bees through the Native Bee Conservation Program Storymap and the Environment and Climate Changes: Speaker Spotlight.
Citizen Feedback:
“Great program! Loved watching the kids take interest in the bee house.”
“I enjoyed the education and being able to do my part in planting native flowers, as well as provide a place for our native bees.”
“Getting to see bees use our bee house was really exciting!”
“I love that my children are learning about nature and life cycles”
“I love the conservation aspect and the fun with the family.”
“We love that we will be helping the bees in the spring! We are very excited to plant the flowers and provide a nesting box”
