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Bee City
Pledge to be a Pollinator Protector
Between 75% and 95% of all flowering plants on the planet need pollinators to produce their seeds. Our best-known pollinator may be the honeybee — but did you know that there are over 900 species of bees in Canada? Other pollinators include butterflies, moths, wasps, flies, beetles and hummingbirds.
Many pollinators are facing hard times in Canada and around the globe. But they can live and prosper in our yards if we protect their habitats. Protect pollinators and join Canadians across the country in taking the Bee City Canada Pollinator Pledge! And then spread the word and track your progress using #PollinatorProtector.
Click the image below to take the pledge!
There are many ways to help our native bees and honey bees thrive in our community!
1. Create habitat in your own back yard to help to feed pollinators and provide homes for native bees.
Check out some resources from Bee City Canada that will help you design a pollinator garden that bees will love!
Alberta Native Plant Council Native Plant List
2. Provide homes for solitary bees by clearing away mulch in spots in your plant/flower beds so bees can burrow into the soil. Learn how to build a DIY bee bath or bee hotel using bamboo and compost!
3. Want a project that includes the kids? Here is a video on how to Build a Beehouse for younger children.
Looking for new members! 
Are you interested in learning how to help native bees and other
pollinators thrive in your neighborhood?
Volunteer with your local Bee City working group to learn about pollinators and how to create bee friendly gardens.
Volunteers of all ages will help to plan habitat creation projects, increase awareness and provide opportunities to educate residents about the importance of pollinators in our urban environment.
Please call the Chestermere Parks Department at (403) 207-2807 or email to get involved.
Chestermere: Western Canada’s first Bee City 
Only the second City designated in Canada, Chestermere is helping in the fight to save the declining population of bees.
Bees and other pollinators are struggling across Canada and around the world. It is estimated that 85% of flowering plants (including fruits and vegetables) depend on pollinators so a decline in their numbers could devastate food production.
The designation highlights Chestermere’s current efforts to promote healthy ecosystems such as the Community Garden, Chestermere in Bloom, the Birth Forest, as well as more than 70 parks and green spaces around the community.
Background:
In March 2016, Dr. Preston Pouteaux, a local beekeeper and advocate approached Chestermere officials about becoming an official Bee City.
City staff set up a Bee City committee comprised of local community members and City staff. With the approval of City Council, they brought an application to Bee City Canada and were officially designated as a Bee City on July 27, 2016.
Going forward, the Bee City committee will implement pollinator friendly community initiatives and awareness opportunities. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned for programming, events and activities to learn more about how they can support pollinator populations.
Quick Facts 
The following information has been provided by the Chestermere Honey Bee Society.
Bumble Bees: We love these gentle fuzzy bees. They focus on pollinating flowers and live in very small families. We advise leaving them alone, they likely won't be back next year, so enjoy them.
Wasps: They build nests in our yards and scavenge, and they like to sting. They are pests and will hurt beneficial bugs. We advise that you get rid of them.
Honey Bees: We really love them. They are valuable pollinators. When they swarm, they are just looking for a new home, so let's give them a hand.
Have questions or need assistance? Contact local beekeeper Preston at (403) 880-6486.
Resources:
Learn more:
- Chestermere Honey Bee Society
- Bee City Canada
- Pollinator.org
- The difference between native bees, honey bees and wasps
In the news:
- Here's the buzz on how to get a bee-friendly lawn - CBC News
- Canada’s first Bee City Canada Golf Course - Green Master Magazine
- City staff buzzing about endangered bee discovery as boulevard preps for another season - CBC News
- Chestermere becomes Western Canada's first Bee City – CBC News
- Welcome to Chestermere: the most bee-friendly city in Western Canada – Calgary Herald