In addition to scientific research and field work, the centre provides educational resources, programs and outreach events on a variety of topics: pollinator-friendly gardening practices, bee identification workshops, species at risk monitoring events, citizen science applications, Bioblitz events, and many more!
Most of these events are free and easily accessible to those interested.
City of Toronto bee projects
Bees of Toronto
A Guide to their Remarkable World
Toronto Pollinator Protection Strategy
Information about incentives and grants for planting pollinator gardens in Toronto
Bee identification tools
The 39 genera of bees found in Canada east of Manitoba are keyed in dichotomous format with all key features illustrated. Habitus photographs of males and females of representatives of all genera are provided. The biology of bees in general, and outlines of the biology of each genus are summarized.
Each gallery includes images of one male and one female of each taxon, with some exceptions. If you have specimens of any taxon that are not present in our image bank, please consider letting us borrow a nice specimen for imaging or taking an image for us.
This image database is as complete as we can make it. We are approaching various researchers to assist us with filling in the gaps. As can easily be seen, some of the specimens used are not exactly in good condition. If you have nice specimens that might fill in the gaps or enable us to replace
Pollinator gardens and initiatives
Bumble Bee Watch
Bumble Bee Watch is a collaborative effort to track and conserve North America’s bumble bees. This community science project allows for individuals to:
- Upload photos of bumble bees to start a virtual bumble bee collection;
- Identify the bumble bees in your photos and have your identifications verified by experts;
- Help researchers determine the status and conservation needs of bumble bees;
- Help locate rare or endangered populations of bumble bees;
- Learn about bumble bees, their ecology, and ongoing conservation efforts; and
- Connect with other community scientists.
How to Make a Pollinator Garden, by: Clement F. Kent
A pollinator garden is a place where birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators can find food, drink, and a home.
In addition to the threats of pesticides and disease, habitat loss due to modern agricultural styles and (sub)-urban sprawl reduces available resources for pollinators.
Researchers have found that gardens planted with an abundance of flowers blooming a long period can bring pollinator numbers up in areas that had been losing them - adding nesting sites and changing garden care practices have a big impact too!
Educational Posters and Visuals
Books
Wild Bees Of Eastern North America
A guide to common pollinators and wildflowers
by: Katherine Odanaka, Josh Hall, Sabine Nooten & Sandra Rehan
The Rehan Lab focuses on wild bee research. We have special interest in pollinator biodiversity, behaviour, and evolution. This guide joins other educational books published to explore the regional native bee faunas of New England, California and the Great Lakes region. Our mission is to provide information about wild bees in eastern North America including information on their diversity, nesting biology, ecology, and flower associations to increase our understanding and awareness of pollinators and the services they provide.
The information contained in this field guide is for educational purposes only. Any references to commercial products or trade names do not imply endorsement by the Rehan Lab or bias against those not mentioned.
Outreach and Events
- Wild Bee Buzz Talks, during the Summer Speaker Series at High Park (2019)
- Bumble bee nest searching (2019)
BEEc in the News...
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Latest Past Events
BeeCon 2020 (virtual)
Southern Ontario Bee Researchers' Symposium - Oct 16, 2020! Dr. Quinn McFrederick from the University of California, Riverside is joining us as this year's keynote speaker and will be discussing […]