Bring on the Buzz! Pollinator Walk n' Talk

You’ve likely heard, the bees are in trouble. Due to a combination of habitat loss, disease, and pesticide use, many of our pollinators are declining, which is concerning when one out of three bites you eat is thanks to a bee! The good news is that so-called Canada has more than 800 species of native bees that contribute to pollination of both wild plants and our food supply. How well are these native bees doing? What can be done to support them? Join Dr. Elizabeth Elle for a short talk and a plant and pollinator walk. You’ll learn about the diversity of wild bees in BC, why there are concerns about bee declines, and what you can do in your backyard, community garden, or even on your balcony to help support pollinators.

ABOUT YOUR FACILITATOR

Dr. Elizabeth Elle (she/her)

Elizabeth Elle is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at SFU. Formerly a high school teacher, she returned to university to foster a career that combined the pursuit of learning with her love of teaching. She has been a member of national (the Canadian Pollination Initiative) and international (the Integrated Crop Pollination Project) research collaborations aimed at protecting pollinators and enhancing pollination services to wildflowers and crops. She is also an award-winning teacher dedicated to both traditional university education and public engagement with the important conservation issues of our day. Elizabeth recently became the inaugural Vice Provost for Learning & Teaching at SFU, and although much of her time is now dedicated to her administrative role, she really just wants everyone to know that bees are awesome, and if you are worried about pollinator declines, you should plant a garden. Her web page: https://www.sfu.ca/people/eelle.html

ACCESSIBILITY & VENUE DETAILS

Embark Sustainability events are free and open to Embark members which includes Simon Fraser University undergraduate and graduate students, as well as Embark Associate Members.

This event will be held in part at the Embark Studio, room #1310 of the Student Union Building (SUB), SFU Burnaby. The SUB is located south of Freedom Square between the Diamond Family Auditorium (DFA) and the Academic Quadrangle (AQ).

The Embark Studio:

• is wheelchair accessible
• welcomes all gender identities and expressions
• is a tree nut and peanut-free zone
• is a scent-free zone
• is located near wheelchair accessible and gender-neutral restrooms
• provides access to a quiet space for personal meditation, reflection, or prayers

This event will also include some travel outdoors across SFU Burnaby Campus. If you have any route requests for accessibility, please contact us by May 12, 2022 and we will ensure our route is accessible for all attendees. If we can take further action to make this event accessible to you, or if you have any questions, please contact us at programs@embarksustainability.org.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This event will take place on the unceded homelands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛw̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Nations.

COMMUNITY AGREEMENT

By registering to attend this event, you are agreeing to be respectful when listening to and communicating with others, and be mindful of the space you are taking up amongst your peers.

Embark Sustainability does not tolerate violence or aggression against others on the basis of race, ethnicity, place of origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or ability. Please also refer to people using the introductions they provide and do not assume pronouns/gender/knowledge based on someone’s name or appearance.

If these agreements are broken by someone, we will have to ensure the safety of our community members by removing them from the event.