Project Overview

The kindergartners at Sierra Expeditionary Learning School are working to support declining bee populations by building bee hotels. As bees are among the most abundant and effective pollinators in natural and agricultural habitats, and their pollinating services help plants reproduce, students want to do their part by creating a bee community. As the kindergartners began their year learning the importance of building their community, they discovered how they might give back to the greater community and the environment. Before building, students first learned of the building and design process, then created blueprints for the hotels. After revising designs, learning how to safely handle tools, and with the support of adults, students carefully brought their blueprint designs to fruition. After the snow melts and the “buzz” returns to the mountains each spring, hotels will be hung on our school grounds. Students will further welcome and attract native or solitary bees by planting a pollinator garden. We hope our "hotels" will attract beneficial pollinators for years to come and help keep a healthy population around for the benefit of the community.