Streamside Honeybees Agroforestry Tour,
Saturday September 7, 2013 13:00 - 14:00
8875 Martens Rd, Slocan City, BC
Beekeeping with native stream-side shrubs is the topic of a free tour being offered near Slocan City on Saturday, September 7. The tour will highlight the results of a demonstration project at the Murray Family Woodlot where a riparian area is newly planted with three native shrubs well-suited to the region. The Murray Family, with funding from the British Columbia Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative (AIDI ), are showcasing the benefits of integrating honey bees in riparian plantings for both conservation benefits and economic diversification.
The Kootenays are replete with small private land parcels endowed with streams. These riparian corridors are rarely utilized, yet can provide multiple benefits to land owners when managed with care. Many native shrubs grow products like berries and bark which are in demand for food and medicinals. When beehives are nearby, flowering shrubs benefit from honey bee pollination services while also benefiting bees with pollen and nectar for producing honey. Riparian buffers further complement hives by providing both a windbreak and surface water required by bees. Thus, sensitive riparian systems can be managed for economic benefit while protecting drinking water and wildlife habitat.
Directions to Tour: From Hwy 6, turn on to Martens Rd (1.3 km south of Slocan City
exit). Drive past the 'White Pines Dojo' sign and continue uphill to
the corner. There is a driveway on left side of road just before this
corner, and 8875 sign. (If you miss, you'll simply come to dead-end).
Please park along road. (Parking space is limited up the
driveway). If you arrive late, you can simply walk up driveway about
100 meters and give a holler.
For additional details on the tour, please contact Michael Murray at 250-354-1412.
BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative Archive