Minneapolis Buzz Lab Trip
In the big city of Minneapolis, next to a local lake, a group of scientists have built a bee habitat. This habitat, called the Bee Skyrise, is a home for wild and solitary bees. The Skyrise project is currently lead by Julie Benda, a local artist, and scientist. With the help of two interns, she informs the city about the importance of pollinators and bees.
The Pollinator Skyrise is a collaboration with Benda and scientists to make an accessible home for local bees. The bees that were intended to move into the Skyrise were measured. Scientists then took the measurements and drilled holes of that size into blocks of wood. These holes in the blocks become artificial home for the bees. There are many different sized holes, for all different kinds of local bees. The wooden blocks can be removed from the structure. This allows the blocks to be replaced, and the nests to be studied. This not only is a way to house bees, but it is also an easy way to study local bees’ nesting habits and health.
Benda and her interns work with the local businesses and zoo. They frequently talk to the community about the importance of pollinators.
“With the help of the local community, we can adjust and understand ways to better the future of pollinators along with the environment,” says Benda. She also has a little “mailbox” that dispenses Milk Weed, Purple Prairie Clover, and Purple Coneflower seeds. This mailbox idea was inspired by comparing the post office, a business that is orderly and has good communication, and bees, who also have an orderly and organized life. After visitors to the Skyrise complete a small scavenger hunt, they are rewarded with some of the seeds. These seeds are meant to be planted in gardens and yards, but can also be scattered in wild parks and fields.
Benda’s interns have a special vehicle for getting around the city. The Pollen Bike is a three-wheeled bicycle with an electric pedal assist. They use the bike to move quickly and eco-friendly through the city. This bike can hold all of the intern's equipment for teaching about pollinators.
Julie Benda’s project has helped to raise awareness for local bees. Through her work, she has not only provided a home for the bees but has educated the public about our pollinator friends. Without her contribution to the bee world, Minneapolis’ gardens would be less colorful, less lush, and on the whole, empty. Bees are important. Thanks to Julie Benda, the world is realizing that.
Written by the Science Squad (Leo Devick, Adam Skoog, Max Devick, and Steven Vivier)
