Whitefriars Hivers Beekeeping Club Online Workshop
The Friars Hivers Beekeeping Club members came together for the second online workshop this week. The focus was the bee’s home – the hive. The College hive is a Langstroth Hive, designed in 1852 by Rev. LL Langstroth, the father of American beekeeping. The design has not changed much in 169 years. It is one of the most popular hives used by beekeepers due to easy access to open the hive and inspect for pests, ability to remove frames to harvest honey and wax, giving the bees space to live as a happy and efficient community and the ability to add extra floors as the bee population increases. Ben Moore, beekeeper from Ben’s Bees was onsite at Coldstream apple orchards presenting about the different hives, the anatomy of the hive and answering questions from the members. The next workshop will be completing a hive inspection on site (dependent on restrictions) and understanding threats to bee populations, especially the varroa mite, which caused 40% of bee population collapse in the USA in 2020. The loss of bee populations and the huge impact this will have on humans will be discussed. To see the Friars Hivers Hive being opened earlier this year visit online.clickview.com.au/workspace/videos/46823197. For families wanting information about the Friars Hivers Beekeeping Club, please contact Ms Menzies on jmenzies@whitefriars.vic.edu.au
The Langstroth Hive & frames
Bees fanning the honey
Inspecting the hive
National Threatened Species Day – 7 September 2021
Roger Luo, Environment Captain, stated that the rate of animals becoming threatened is higher than when the dinosaurs become extinct. This is very true and last week the College was informed of the grave statistics of Australia’s biodiversity. September 7 was the anniversary of the death in captivity of the last known thylacine, or Tasmanian Tiger. In Australia, 518 Australian species are on the threatened species list. In Victoria there are 27 local fauna species and several flora species on the Victorian threatened list. Check out Zoos Victoria website for information zoo.org.au/fighting-extinction
Why should we care? The rate of threatened species is alarming. Koalas are predicted to be extinct in 2050. The extinction of a species impacts human survival. Losing species disrupts the food web, ecosystem health and reduces ability to use plants for medicinal purposes. Once gone, they’re gone forever, and there’s no going back.
There are many things you can do to help. Here is a list of 45 actions: environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/green-consumer-guide-threatened-species-45-ways-you-can-help#save
Holiday Activities
The Great Australian Platypus Search citizen scientist program
One of Australia’s most unique and iconic creatures is now at risk of extinction. Suffering under the impacts of habitat loss, drought, climate change and last summer’s bushfires, there is now mounting evidence showing rapid platypus population decline.
By volunteering as a citizen scientist in The Great Australian Platypus Search, you will help map platypus populations across Victoria and fill a critical gap in our knowledge of this notoriously elusive species.
For more information visit thegreataustralianplatypussearch.org/
Melbourne Water Frog Census
Enjoy a nature walk and record frog sounds in your local waterways (always go with an adult). Visit manningham.vic.gov.au/melbourne-water-frog-census
Manningham City Council guided walks
Enjoy exploring your local area. Details of 20 guided walks can be downloaded. Visit manningham.vic.gov.au/self-guided-neighbourhood-walks
Manningham Climate Watch
Families that live within 5km to 100 Acres (Park Orchards) or Currawong Bush Park (Doncaster East) can participate in this citizen scientist program. Visit manningham.vic.gov.au/climatewatch-trails
Baking Inspiration
Jakarta-based pastry chef Iven Kawi creates amazing terrarium and flower cakes. Check out her creations by visiting thisiscolossal.com/2017/04/amazing-terrarium-and-flower-cakes-created-by-iven-kawi/?fbclid=IwAR0vqBCZB8W_FQiGLAg3OqIhaLDddywRAyECYIC8GXXZp8fJL-oMafEs_r8
Comedy Wildlife Photo Competition
The entries are in for the worldwide 2021 Comedy Wildlife Photo Competition. The winner will be announced on 21 October. Who do you think will win? Check out the images here: comedywildlifephoto.com/gallery/finalists/2021_finalists.php
