Time to make "bug hotels"!
As promised, Kate and Audrey led us on an exciting journey this Friday afternoon to create our own, unique shelters for insects. For those of you who are not familiar with the concept of a "bug hotel" (also known as insect hotels), here are a couple of key things to know:
-- What is it? Bug hotels are winter lodgings for your backyard bugs. They are are usually made of found or upcycled materials around the yard and consist of different "suites" catered to each little bug's preferred lodging taste.
-- Why build one? Bug hotels provide safe areas for solitary insects to hibernate over the winter. Big lawns and the lack of dead wood in our yards leave wild bees, spiders and ladybugs without a place to live. Building accommodations for beneficial insects like ladybugs or flying pollinators can help benefit both your environment and garden in the spring.
[Source: Insteading.com]
After a brief introduction and discussion of the type of "bug-friendly" materials we want to be collecting (e.g. straw, sticks, pinecones) we ventured out to gather our supplies:
Next week, in recognition of Earth Day, we will be hanging up recycling posters around Mason-Rice, and then will venture out into the neighborhood for a community service project!
As promised, Kate and Audrey led us on an exciting journey this Friday afternoon to create our own, unique shelters for insects. For those of you who are not familiar with the concept of a "bug hotel" (also known as insect hotels), here are a couple of key things to know:
-- What is it? Bug hotels are winter lodgings for your backyard bugs. They are are usually made of found or upcycled materials around the yard and consist of different "suites" catered to each little bug's preferred lodging taste.
-- Why build one? Bug hotels provide safe areas for solitary insects to hibernate over the winter. Big lawns and the lack of dead wood in our yards leave wild bees, spiders and ladybugs without a place to live. Building accommodations for beneficial insects like ladybugs or flying pollinators can help benefit both your environment and garden in the spring.
[Source: Insteading.com]
After a brief introduction and discussion of the type of "bug-friendly" materials we want to be collecting (e.g. straw, sticks, pinecones) we ventured out to gather our supplies:
While the elementary students picked up sticks, bark and pinecones, Audrey skillfully sawed down a large chestnut tree branch she brought in from home into shorter pieces for the young students to incorporate into their bug hotels.
After enjoying the spring weather and with full bags, each of the young students returned to the classroom to build their creations to bring home. Good job everyone, and keep us posted on how good your hotel's "business" is! =)
Thank you so much, Kate and Audrey, for an AMAZING session!
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