Native Bee Project

We were very excited that Dr Kit Prendergast undertook a survey of Native Australian bee species and their behavior at Lagoon Creek Environmental Reserve as part of a native bee project funded by Kimna Valley.

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I decided to create a project centred around the ecology and conservation of native bees with the aims to provide education/ information and encourage involvement from the general public into native bee conservation:

• I wanted to create community accessible workshops and provide detailed and not always accessible information on local native bee species ecology and conservation and involve the community in the presence and activity of local native bee ecology within the reserve through workshops and social media posts.

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• I thought it was essential to provide information and services on how members of the public can get started on providing habitat in their own back yards

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It to me felt very important to involve and educate the community on the not well-known diversity of native bees, and the importance of the role of bees in agricultural industries, the conservation of native plants, native ecosystems and native species as they were all connected.

There has been a large focus on European honey bee pollination and the threat of mites and the demise of their populations, but little is widely known about the incredible diversity and important roles of native bee species in their own specialist pollination relationships.

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It amazed me when I first heard about sonic pollination which is not something European bees can do and the efficiency of some of our solitary native bee species that do this, and its vital for some important food crops.I wanted to cover subjects such as Native bees are more successful pollinators then European bees. Buzz pollination (not done by our introduced honey bees) are required by some plant species, I also wanted to create bee habitat locations within the reserve in regeneration areas and update and report stages and activity on native bee’s on social media during and after surveys. I thought it would open up discussions with public members on social media.

Working with Dr. Kit Prendergast, an expert in native bees, was a fantastic opportunity. Her survey, which spanned one year, contributed valuable data to her scientific research and provided the public with a summary of findings, including bee species identified, preferred flowers, and activity patterns.Our nursery also supported the project by providing local native plant species and offering gardening advice to create bee habitats. Dr. Prendergast's insights into different hive types and conservation practices were invaluable in guiding our efforts. She provided guided step by step information on gardening advice for the conservation of native bees and creating habitat areas. We provided local native plant species on the day within our nursery

 Dr kit is very informative in regards to the different hive types and conservation of local species.

If you would like to learn more about Australian native bees and related research by Dr Kit Prendergast who is a Native bee scientist, conservation biologist and zoologist.

She is also the writer of Creating Haven for Native Bees BookThe Bee Babette on YouTubeNative Bee Art on Redbubble

At Lagoon Creek Community Nursery, we're passionate about native plants and their crucial role in sustaining our local ecosystems. Here’s why incorporating native plants into your garden is not just a trend, but a necessity for preserving biodiversity: Support Local WildlifeNative plants provide essential food and habitat for local wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals. For example, the Hoya australis is a host plant for the Common Crow Butterfly, offering a lifeline to these beautiful creatures. Adapted to Local ConditionsNative plants are perfectly adapted to our local climate, soil, and weather patterns. This means they typically require less water, fertilizer, and care compared to non-native species, making them a sustainable choice for your garden. Enhance Ecosystem StabilityBy planting native species, we contribute to the stability and resilience of our ecosystems. Native plants have evolved alongside other local species, forming complex relationships that help maintain ecological balance. Prevent Invasive SpeciesNon-native plants can become invasive, outcompeting local flora and disrupting ecosystems. By choosing native plants, we reduce the risk of these invasions and help preserve the natural plant diversity. Promote Pollination Many native plants have evolved to attract specific pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and birds. For instance, the fragrant flowers of Coleus nitidus and C. graveolens are excellent at attracting bees, which are essential for pollination and plant reproduction. Cultural HeritageNative plants are a part of our natural heritage. They have been used by Indigenous communities for food, medicine, and cultural practices for generations. By cultivating these plants, we honor and preserve this rich cultural legacy. At Lagoon Creek Community Nursery, we offer a diverse range of native plants. Each of these plants brings unique benefits to your garden and our local environment.Join us in our mission to protect and enhance local biodiversity. Visit our nursery to discover the beauty and importance of native plants, and take home a piece of our precious ecosystem.Support local, grow native! This event was funded by Kimna Valley.We are grateful to everyone who attended and supported this event, helping to raise awareness of the incredible native bees and the important role they play in our ecosystems. Stay tuned for more events dedicated to promoting the conservation of these vital pollinators.