Gravenhurst celebrating Pollinator Week

Pollinator Week is June 16 to 22 and in Gravenhurst related activities will be taking place for residents and visitors.

“These activities are going to be informative and fun for people interested in learning more about pollinators and their important role in our world,” Mayor Heidi Lorenz said. “On behalf of council, I encourage everyone in our community to take part.” 

What exactly is Pollinator Week and why is the town observing the occasion? 

In July 2024, council authorized staff to participate in the Bee City Program, which is administered by a national organization called Bee City Canada. 

Bee City Canada’s mission is to, “recognize and support municipalities, Indigenous communities, campuses, schools, and other organizations that are taking action to protect and promote pollinators.”

There are three pillars to the Bee City Program:

• Creating a healthy biodiverse pollinator habitat
• Education
• Celebrating Pollinator Week in June

Now officially a Bee City community, Gravenhurst is doing its part by recognizing Pollinator Week. 

As outlined by Bee City Canada, “Pollinator Week is about celebrating pollinators and spreading the word about what can be done to protect them.” 

Originating in the United States, communities first observed Pollinator Week in 2007.

Nowadays, Pollinator Week activities take place around the globe. 

How can you participate in the week? 

One opportunity is to plant pollinator-friendly gardens. 

Another is to use the week to talk with friends and family about the importance of pollinators. 

“Pollinators play a crucial role in our food supply and ecosystems. They help to pollinate crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, that provide us with the food we eat every day,” said Bee City Canada.

“Without pollinators, many of these crops would not be able to produce fruit, resulting in lower yields and higher prices for consumers.

But there is more to consider.

“Pollinators are also important for the health of our ecosystems. They help to pollinate wildflowers and other plants, which provide habitat and food for other wildlife. In addition, pollinators are essential for the reproduction of many trees and shrubs, which play a key role in preventing soil erosion, reducing air pollution, and providing shade and shelter,” said Bee City Canada. 

Still, pollinator populations have struggled in recent years. 

Bee City Canada said this is “due to a variety of factors, including habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. This decline is a cause for concern, as it could have significant impacts on our food supply and ecosystems.”

On its website, Bee City Canada offers some great ideas about how you can participate in Pollinator Week. 

Visit the Bee City Canada website to learn more.

Pollinator Week activities in Gravenhurst

Here in town, on Tuesday, June 17, the Gravenhurst Horticultural Society will present guest speaker Sean James, who will talk about the importance of pollinators.

The presentation starts at 7 p.m. at the Gravenhurst Seniors Centre, 480 First St. N.  

The cost to attend is $5 for guests and $2 for members. 

On Wednesday, June 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., town staff will be at the Gravenhurst Farmers’ Market at Gull Lake Rotary Park. 

Staff will be at the town’s information table. They will have material about Bee City Canada and Pollinator Week for people wanting to learn more about these subjects. 

Stay informed about Pollinator Week and Bee City activities

Watch the town’s website and social media channels for other information about the week and to learn more about local Bee City initiatives. 

Residents participating in Pollinator Week are encouraged to post related photos on social media, tag the town, and use the hashtag #PollinatorWeek.  

Additional resources

Bee City Canada.

Bee City Canada – Town of Gravenhurst staff report.

Pollinator Partnership Canada.

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