McMaster University recognizes that the University and surrounding Hamilton area, including their nature spaces, are situated on traditional territories shared between the Haudenosaunee confederacy and Anishnaabe nations. These lands are protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum belt. The wampum uses the symbolism of a dish to represent the territory, and one spoon to represent that the people are to share the resources of the land and only take what they need.
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Nature @ McMaster

Stop#2 – Helipad

At the Helicopter Pad, the second stop on the Bee Trail, four additional bee homes were established in pairs during the same year. This effort, part of the broader initiative spearheaded by Facility Services and the Academic Sustainability Program’s Office, emphasizes the importance of teamwork in environmental sustainability. These homes are made of pine wood and filled with paper tubes and were installed in 2019 as part of the 100in1Day community event. incorporates natural materials like bamboo, ensures they provide a suitable habitat for native bee species. This location, likely frequented by community members, serves as an excellent opportunity for education and engagement regarding the vital role of bees in our ecosystems.

 

Fun Fact:  Bees are some of nature’s best botanists! Not only do they visit flowers to feed, but they also play a critical role in the pollination of many of our favorite foods like tomatoes, blueberries, and squash. In fact, wild bees in particular do a lot of this heavy lifting! (1)

 

Species Highlight: Sweat Bees (Halictidae): Sweat bees, true to their name, can be drawn to human perspiration. These small, often metallic-colored bees are known to visit gardeners, lapping up sweat for its salt content. While generally non-aggressive, they may sting when swatted, though their sting typically causes only mild irritation. Despite this, sweat bees are valuable pollinators, contributing to the health of gardens and wild plants alike. (2)

Local Native Bee Spotlight: The Stunning Sweat Bee (Lasioglossum paradmirandum) is a local species of sweat bee found in our area!

 

References:

  1. Henry H. NATIVE BEES OF ONTARIO [Internet]. Halton Region Master Gardeners. 2021. Available from: https://haltonmastergardeners.com/2021/03/17/native-bees-of-ontario/
  2. Native Animal Profile: Sweat Bees (aka Halictid Bees) [Internet]. news.maryland.gov. Available from: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2019/10/18/native-animal-profile-sweat-bees-aka-halictid-bees/