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Midland, Tiny get into Bee City spirit during pollinator week

Midland unveils Bee City mural while Tiny holds workshops, encourages residents to visit community gardens and help create pollinator-friendly habitats
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The town of Midland unveiled its newest mural as part of National Pollinator Week. The mural is located in Little Lake Park.

Midland has unveiled a new mural to celebrate its spot as one of 63 Bee Cities in Canada.

In recognition of National Pollinator Week, which runs until June 26, the town invited some of those who helped make it a reality to help unveil the new “Midland” mural located on a large no-mow zone at the top of Campbell’s Hill in Little Lake Park.

Mayor Stewart Strathearn was joined at the event by artists from Georgian Manor and King Place, who helped create the colourful piece along with local elementary and secondary school students.

“The town is proud to celebrate our second annual Pollinator Week as an official Bee City,” Strathearn said.

“Last year, we established no-mow zones throughout the town for suitable areas for pollinator habitats to be created, and the community has positively embraced this initiative.”

Combining its status as a Bee City and reputation as a mural community, the town commissioned two Bee City murals to highlight its commitment to protecting pollinators and pollinator-friendly habitats. The other mural, which was installed last fall, is located in David Onley Park.

The town also thanked the County of Simcoe for their assistance with some of the costs associated with this project, as well as Severn Sound Environmental Association for continuous dedication to the community.

Next-door neighbour Tiny Township also recently became a Bee City.

To celebrate Pollinator Week, the township worked to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators by holding workshops and encouraging residents to do their part to create pollinator-friendly spaces.

“As a designated Bee City, supporting pollinators fosters environmental awareness and  sustainability, and increases interactions and engagement among community stewards,” Mayor George Cornell said.

“During Pollinator Week sign the pledge to protect pollinators, visit one of the pollinator gardens located in Tiny, cook a meal with a pollinator-friendly cookbook, or attend one of the free workshops being held at Tiny’s Community Garden.”

One such workshop goes today between 5 and 6 p.m. at Perkinsfield Park community garden.

Kate Harries, owner and operator of Return of the Native, will help residents learn how to create a pollinator habitat, which are essential to ensuring the health of pollinators, not to mention growing beautiful landscapes to enjoy in the process.

Besides Perkinsfield Park, Tiny’s pollinator gardens are located at Lafontaine Park, on the Tiny Trail between Concessions 4 and 6,  Toanche Park and the Bernie LeClair Parkette.

Individuals and families looking for pollinator-friendly resources and activities are encouraged to visit www.beecitycanada.org for more information.


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Andrew Philips

About the Author: Andrew Philips

Editor Andrew Philips is a multiple award-winning journalist whose writing has appeared in some of the country’s most respected news outlets. Originally from Midland, Philips returned to the area from Québec City a decade ago.
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