The Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) Community Conservation programs are inviting the public to join its important efforts to protect natural resources. Last year, FoHVOS and its partners created and installed nesting boxes throughout its preserves and residential lands to provide habitat for the threatened American Kestrel. This year FoHVOS will add habitat for declining pollinator populations. Participants will make bee abodes or “rooms” which will be included in a larger bee hotel.
One of every three bites of food eaten worldwide depends on pollinators, especially bees, for a successful harvest. But for decades, global bees’ population have declined due to biodiversity losses and habitat destruction. Further, pesticide use is a particular threat for honeybees and wild pollinators. A continuing die-off can have huge economic and public health consequences for people.
Adding specially designed bee lodgings are an easy way to boost bee habitat. Bee hotels will be installed near wildflower meadows to ensure likely success. At the bee abode workshops, participants will be educated on the importance of pollinators and will participate in a hands-on abode building project. FoHVOS is partnering with both the Hopewell Valley public schools and the Pennington School to build a number of abodes.
In addition, workshops are scheduled so members of the general public may also partake in the project. Family workshops encourage parents and children to participate together. Choose from a selection of several abode style to add to our Bee Hotels. The hotel structures will be built by Mercer County Technical School students through a generous community partnership. Individual abodes built at Bee Abode workshops will be installed in the hotels.
Bee Abode Workshop Details and Dates:
- Workshops are FREE!
- Sunday March 15 and 22 from 1-2:30pm at Calvary Baptist Church (next to BoroBean)
- Saturday March 28 from 2-3:30 pm at The Cambridge School
- EVENT REGISTRATION HERE or visit event page at fohvos.org
Submitted by FoHVOS, which is an accredited nonprofit land trust dedicated to conserving the Valley’s character by collaborating with the community to preserve land, protect natural resources, and inspire a new generation of conservation. Since its inception, FoHVOS has preserved over 7,500 acres of land and inspired thousands of partners and volunteers. To learn more about FoHVOS, call 609-730-1560 or visit www.fohvos.org.
