Edmonton Seedy Sunday 2017

It might not look like spring outside, but there's definitely excitement in the air: this weekend is Edmonton Seedy Sunday! 


Seed Swap, free demonstrations and speakers... plenty, whether you're looking for inspiration or instruction! 


Visit the Edmonton Seedy Sunday website for details on demos, speakers, and vendors and the Edmonton Seedy Sunday facebook page for event updates.

‘Bee hotels’ give solitary pollinators rooms of their own

Excerpt from the article Margaret shared at the August meeting (click on the link to see full article and video):

‘Bee hotels’ give solitary pollinators rooms of their own
Madeleine Cummings, Edmonton Journal 07.19.2015

The “hotel,” which was attached Monday to a tree on the Edmonton Community Foundation’s downtown grounds, is made of wood and hollow bamboo stems. It has about 200 cylindrical holes, where solitary bees can lay eggs.

Unlike honey bees, which live communally in hives, solitary bees live alone, but still need safe spots to stash their eggs. Normally, bees find sheltered nooks and crannies in trees or underground, but these have become scarce in Edmonton and other cities across the country.

YEG Urban Beekeeping - Guidelines are here

Ready to keep bees?

Last month the City of Edmonton amended bylaws to allow for urban beekeeping.  The how-to on becoming an urban beekeeper have also been updated!  Below is an excerpt from The City of Edmonton's Urban Beekeeping page:

Steps to becoming an urban beekeeper

Step 1: Review the City's Beekeeping Guidelines
It is important to understand the commitment and responsibilities required to become a successful and safe beekeeper. The Urban Beekeeping Guidelines help residents understand the expectations that the City has for beekeepers. Interested beekeepers will also benefit from connecting with the beekeeping community and talking to existing beekeepers to learn more about what it takes to keep bees in the city.

Step 2: Register with Alberta's Premises Identification Program (PID)
As part of the Animal Health Act, owners of bees must have a premises identification account and premises identification number for the bees. This requirement is a part of a traceability system designed to address potential threats of disease outbreaks that could affect animal health, public health and food safety.

Step 3: Register with the Provincial Apiculturist
As a part of the Bee Act and Regulation, beekeepers must register with the Provincial Apiculturist every year by June 30.

Step 4: Apply for a beekeeping license
Using the online request form, apply for a license with the City. Be prepared to provide information about your beekeeping site, your training and your mentor if you are a first time beekeeper.

Turns out, our friendly neighbourhood permaculturalist and beekeeper, Dustin Bajer, also hand makes hives. Full details at in this Metro article.

With all the bylaw information now released: Are you considering keeping urban bees?  

2015-05 29-30 That Bloomin' Garden Show and Art Sale

Mark your calendars!  That Bloomin' Garden Show and Art Sale is back for another year.  Look forward to Saturday, 30-May 2015 for an activity filled day at Alberta Avenue Community Centre (9210 118 Avenue NW) featuring :

- Various Gardening groups and vendors
- Artisans and art gallery
- A Perennial & seed swap
- A Book & magazine exchange
- Compost sale
- Live musical performances
- Family friendly games

The second annual Rubber Boots & Bow Tie Garden Party is on the night before (Friday, 29-May, 2015).

More information about both events at www.albertaave.org/bloomin-garden.html

A Sweet Endorsement!

Edmonton's Urban Bee Keeping Pilot Project has been a success!  The city is abuzz as the recommendation to expand the program has been given to city councillors.  Read more at MetroNews "Edmonton councillors to look at expanding backyard bees city-wide."

Master Naturalist Program for YEG

Edmonton's Master Naturalist Program is accepting applications!  Get 35 hours of free training along with field trips on how to conserve Edmonton's natural areas. 

More information, eligibility, and the application form are all available at the Master Naturalist Program site.  Act fast - the deadline for this year's program is 24-April-2015.

The Buzz at YEG

The City of Edmonton has started an Urban Beekeeping pilot project!

Special permission is being granted to a select number to keep beehives in their backyard. 

Interested in helping out our buzzing friends and ensuring we all have plenty of pollinators? Check out the details and apply at the City of Edmonton's webpage.