Mason Bee Celebration and Release (April)

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Join Mariah Wilde in the West Coast Plants organic fruit and vegetable garden for the spring release of our Blue Orchard mason bees. These beneficial, early spring pollinators over winter in cocoons, which we collect from our mason bee houses in December. The cocoons are then cleaned and stored in the fridge to mimic winter. They are ready to be released in spring once the weather has warmed and the fruit trees begin to blossom. Mason bees are solitary, but happily nest near each other in houses you provide or holes they find. The males don't have stingers and the females would rather reproduce than engage, so no need to worry about getting stung! The bees are not disturbed by humans nearby and are great for the whole family to watch up close. Come see the bees, listen to them chew their way out of their cocoons, and watch them emerge! Want to make your own mason bee house? We'll also discuss house design, placement and cleaning tips. This event is suitable for the whole family, but we ask that all children be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Demonstrator: Mariah Wilde, West Coast Plants Event location: Join Mariah in the West Coast Plants garden at 790 Middlegate Rd, Errington, BC, V0R 1V0. (near Parksville and Qualicum Beach.) Show more