Even though the decline of pollinators is a large scale problem, The Fairview Agricultural Society’s small contribution can play an important role in the solution. We would like to bring greater awareness to the plight of the honey bee and other pollinators by creating a pollinator garden. This garden will support bees and other native pollinators through the establishment of plants naturally found in Alberta. An array of vegetation native to the area will provide a nutritious food source, and serve as a more organic, semi-natural habitat for nesting areas for the various pollinators. Ultimately, our garden will bring awareness to the global problem of pollinators declining, provide education to our region about the importance of honey bees and other pollinators, and engage our community in awareness creation, preventative measures, and positive action.
The Fairview Ag Society has obtained the use of 250 Square Meters of green grass space located on the Cummings Lake Trail. The trail system is 11 kilometres of paved and gravel walking trails connecting the Town of Fairview, the Fairview Golf Course and Cummings Lake. The pathways are highly utilized by the residents, and the garden will be situated in a location easily accessible to those on the trail or from town. The design of the garden will feature a pollinator hotel and regionally-native plants such as prairie crocus, three-flowered avens, beaked hazelnut, goldenrods, and asters. After the garden has become established, minimal watering and weed control will be needed, as the plants will be adapted to the precipitation and climate of the area. This is the beauty of such a garden!