Guelph, Ontario, Canada
February 23, 2016
4-H Canada and Syngenta Canada are excited to announce the third year of Proud to Bee a 4-H’er, an initiative where 4-H club members learn about bees and other pollinators by planting and tending pollinator-friendly gardens in their communities.
Participating 4-H clubs will once again have the opportunity to create pollinator-friendly habitats using Proud to Bee a 4-H’er pollinator-friendly seed packets. This fun activity encourages 4-H members to learn all about the amazing and fascinating work of bees, get outside and enjoy nature, and raise funds for their local clubs. Approximately 80,000 seed packets have been distributed over the first two years of the program and the hope is that 2016 will see the total number move to over 100,000 packets distributed.
“Habitat and food sources are among the key factors contributing to healthy bee populations,” says Dr. Paul Hoekstra, Regulatory and Science Stewardship Manager with Syngenta Canada. “This initiative provides a fun and meaningful way for young people to help promote pollinator health while learning about the important and essential role of pollinators in agriculture and other ecosystems.”
Syngenta support for Proud to Bee a 4-H’er is through its Operation Pollinator program, which is focused on research and other initiatives that contribute to enhanced biodiversity and habitat in support of healthy pollinator populations.
4-H clubs that register for the program receive Proud to Bee a 4-H’er pollinator-friendly seed packets, planting instructions and information about pollinator habitats. 4-H’ers can plant the seeds themselves or use them to support activities in their communities. This year, participating 4-H’ers will also have the chance to share their pride in taking part in this initiative by submitting a short video describing why they are #ProudtoBeea4Her. The winners will be chosen through public voting in late-summer 2016, with exciting prizes to be awarded!
“Proud to Bee a 4-H’er is an event in high demand by 4-H clubs across Canada each year because it is always such a great experience for our members,” said 4-H Canada CEO, Shannon Benner. “Once again, Syngenta Canada has renewed its committed to giving 4-H’ers a great opportunity to make healthy choices, enjoy and appreciate the outdoors and learn about a healthy environment, by actively supporting pollinator health in their communities.”
For additional information and resources on the Proud to Bee a 4-H’er initiative, visit http://4-h-canada.ca/proudtobee. To locate 4-H clubs near you, go to http://4-h-canada.ca/find-club.
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