Group 17 – Environmental Youth Alliance – Planning for Pollinators
The purpose of this project is simple: to compile experience, opinions, and insights of urban farmers on the use of native pollinators (more specifically with bees). The long term goal is much more complex and involves the EYA using the previous information for planning bee-friendly urban gardens throughout Vancouver with connecting corridors to increase the native bee populations. This is all very appealing in concept and the group members are enthusiastic for what this could do for Vancouver’s flourishing agriculture. There is, however, some disappointment that collecting data is all that they are doing – no analyzing, no implementation, no involvement other than discussions with farmers. The excitement was ramped up a bit with the volunteering where group members got the chance to participate in planting apple trees, something that can be enjoyed by the community for many years to come. One group member mentions that it was a great opportunity to meet people with similar interests and views. Unfortunately the excitement plummeted down again during the weeding session. We all agree that weeding is important, but when it comes down to it weeding is weeding, especially when it’s in the rain.
Kat.