Building a Buzz: Bee Brick Brings Pollinator Power to Your Backyard
What started as a roadside resto- ration project is now buzzing its way into gardens across North America. Founded in 2017 by Rick Tusch, his son Billy, and friend Marty Welsh, Pollinative Pathways began as a nonprofit focused on reclaiming and rewilding land along Ontario’s bus - iest highways—including the 401, 402, and 403. By removing invasive species and planting native wild- flowers, the team has created vital habitat corridors for pollinators like bees, butterflies, birds, and bats.
“We wanted to give something back to the land that gave so much to us,” says Rick. “That meant building spaces where pollinators could thrive—first along highways, and now right in people’s backyards.” “My story is really a journey, which is rooted in a love for the land and a commitment to sustainability,” says Rick. “Growing up in rural Ontario, I was inspired by the farming communi- ty that surrounded me, fostering my passion for eco-friendly practices and environmental stewardship.” Enter the Bee Brick—an eco-friendly nesting structure de- signed for solitary bees, including mason and leafcutter bees. Unlike honeybees, these quiet pollinators don’t form hives or produce honey. Instead, they prefer small cavities in wood, stone, or brick—and they happen to be responsible for polli- nating nearly 75% of our edible plants. “Encouraging solitary bees should be a priority for any gar- dener. These remarkable pollinators are responsible for polli- nating three-quarters of our edible plants,” says Rick. The Bee Brick, inspired by a UK concept and now patented and trademarked by Rick and Bill Tusch, gives these essen- tial pollinators a safe, weatherproof place to nest. They’re simple to install, beautiful in design, and incredibly impactful. With pollinator populations declining due to pesticides, mono- culture farming, and habitat loss, Rick and the team believe small actions can lead to big change. “Bee Bricks are a natu-
ral extension of what we started,” Rick explains. “They’re an invitation—for bees, and for people—to be part of the solu- tion.” Rick envisions Bee Bricks becoming a staple in gar- dens across North America. “With Pollinative Pathways, we laid the groundwork for pollinator pathways; now, with Bee Brick, we can extend those pathways right into your gardens and yards.” To learn more or to support the initiative, visit: www.pollinative.ca and www.beebrick.ca
Save Your Pop Tabs! Gordon Robbins, a long-time resident of Melbourne, has become the king of collecting can tabs to raise money for MRI accessories to accompany the new machine being installed at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital (SMGH). He hopes to collect enough tabs to raise between $2,000 and $5,000 by fall 2025. He’s well on his way with 5.5 million tabs collected so far, making him 1.5 million tabs away from a Guinness World Record. Save your pop tabs! Gord will be collecting tabs until Fall 2025 and encourages everyone to help raise the funds. For more information on where to take your tabs, contact Gord at 226-378-5942 or email tiny- beachesboy@live.ca.
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Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc July/Aug 2025
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