With Australian Pollinator Week buzzing around the corner, Penrith City Council's Bushcare and Biodiversity teams have been busy bees preparing for the return of their successful Bee Bonanza event on Saturday 18 November at Bellbird Reserve.
A bee hotel building expert will be there to teach bee enthusiasts (or those curious about Australia's native bees) how to build a bee hotel and why they're so important for local bees.
Native bees play a crucial role in pollinating our native flowers and are a vital part of our bushland. Bees nest in habitats as diverse as tree hollows, underground burrows, and even inside plant stems.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney encouraged the community to make a beeline to the event, which returns for its second year and continues the community's great conservation work.
"Our Bushland and Biodiversity teams work hard alongside the community to preserve the endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland found in Penrith and the animals that call it home," Cr Carney said.
"Pollinator Week is a great opportunity for us to learn more about the pollinators that work hard all-year-round to keep our environment thriving and an event like the Bee Bonanza is a chance to do that.
"Bee Bonanza focuses on native bees, which come in a great range of colours and sizes. Some have furry overcoats while others are smooth and shiny - and Bee Bonanza is a great opportunity to learn all about them," he said.
After participants have built their bee hotels, they'll be undertaking a weeding activity to help remove invasive weeds from the reserve and help improve habitat for the native bees and minibeasts that call the reserve home.
Refreshments, tools and training will be provided on the day.
The Bee Bonanza has limited spots available. The event runs from 8am-12pm. Registrations are essential to secure your spot. Book at penrith.city/events
Australian Pollinator Week is celebrated from Saturday 11 November - Sunday 19 November.
Photo caption:
A Blue-Banded Bee found in Mulgoa. Photograph courtesy of Penrith City Council's Bushcare team.
