Dec. 2020 - Jan. 2021
Susan Frye is an educator and entomologist working out of the University of Toronto. I wanted to ask Susan these questions specifically after I saw she had collaborated with the work of Sarah Peebles and Resonating Bodies' “bee-booths”. Susan has been involved with the Toronto community through the High Park Nature Centre's native bee monitoring club, among other projects!
Susan describes her role as a researcher and educator:
"My research goals are broadly to explore wild bee communities and their ecology in an effort to manage their biodiversity. I strive to share with others a passion for wild bees as important pollinators of our natural environment."
Below is the written interview we made happen over email:
1. How did you get involved with the High Park Nature centre? What was a highlight from giving “bee talks” or being part of the native bee monitoring club?
Artist Sarah Peebles has an audio bee booth at High Park Nature Centre. She got in touch with me asking if I'd be interested in putting together a weekly club that discusses bee diversity at the park and including an interactive component with the audio bee booth and stem nesting bees.
I think the interest and concern that the public has over bee protection and conservation are really inspiring. It makes research on the subject a way to really connect with the public. One of the most encouraging things about giving bee talks is the curiosity of the public. It seems like there's a lot of interest for people to help with the declining bee populations.
2. How essential are nature connection opportunities for children in an urban environment (in your opinion)?
I think you can learn so much in nature, so having the opportunity to connect physically with the environment makes learning a relatable experience. I think people retain information the best when what they learn is immediately applicable and relatable to their lives.
3. As an educator and entomologist, do you see a gap currently in nature connection and citizen science?
I think there are always ways to improve what's already available. However, being directly associated with the entomological world maybe I'm aware of more opportunities than the general public. Perhaps some way to improve the marketing of some of the resources that are already available would be a good place to start.
4. Do you think protecting bee populations in Toronto and the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) is an issue that art/craft/design can contribute to? If yes, how do you see art and design complementing scientific research and work about bees?
Absolutely! The audio bee booth that I use frequently during bee club meetings is an example of an art piece that connects art with science.
5. Out of the many issues facing the wild and native bee populations in Toronto (and Canada), which do you think is important for an artist/craftsperson/designer to communicate?
One of the best ways to help with bee conservation is to actually do nothing. What I mean by that is that yards are often way too manicured, and it's actually more beneficial for gardens to be left. Dead stems from plants that have hollow stems are essential for stem nesting bee habitat. Mowing grass, or using pesticides can have consequences for ground-nesting bees, so the fewer chemicals and times that the lawn is mowed the better it is for bee abundance.
Planting a diversity of simple native flowers (not complicated for bees to maneuver through to get to nectar/pollen) that are available through the summer is another important consideration for bee populations. Bees need flowers, so if flowers are not available the bees will need to move to areas where food resources are available.
6. If possible, could you describe a human-made bee-nesting structure or shelter you have encountered before? What stood out to you?
The audio bee booths first come to my mind as a stem nesting structure. I think stem-nesting structures can be really useful. Though there is controversy over whether these are actually good for populations or a sink, I think the main use is actually getting people more interested. It's enjoyable for people to watch the tubes to become plugged with mud, leaves, or resin, and it's a way for people to become more involved with the species preservation.
7. Considering your perspective as a scientist, how do you see textiles specifically being used in conservation efforts for bee populations, especially for native species?
Any way to incorporate bees into either with images of bees, or flowers, or materials made by bees (honeycomb), or colours that are associated with bees could be good ways to connect the two subjects.
8. What is the first word you think of when you see…
“bee home” the ground or stems
“bee culture” Community
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Here is the link to Susan's website for more information about her and the important work she does! http://wildbees.ca/about
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