Get buggy with HRRC

A sample bug house.

We all know how good (some) bugs can be. We spend time trying to attract ladybugs, mantises and pollinator bees to our yards and gardens, hoping the work they do will help us reduce or eliminate the use of chemicals. We understand how necessary bugs are, even providing food for birds and spiders.

If they manage to live through the summer and fall, though, where do they spend the winter?

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH) and the Home Repair Resource Center (HRRC) have teamed up to answer that question. On Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m. to noon, parents and children (suggested ages 6–10) can attend Build a Bug House, a hands-on opportunity to learn why bugs are good, and build a bug house that can hang in one's yard. Attendees will also learn how to outfit the bug house with materials bugs can use over the winter.

The workshop will be taught by CMNH naturalist Nancy Howell and carpentry experts from HRRC. Long-popular in Europe, bug houses are beautiful, functional pieces of garden art. They are limited only by the builder's imagination, and make a useful addition to any outdoor area.

All children must have a parent or adult guardian to participate in the workshop—and vice versa. The cost is $5 per family, plus $10 per box built. All supplies will be provided, and a supervised area will be available for siblings too young to participate.

The workshop will take place at the Oxford Community Garden, at the north end of Oxford Road (off Noble Road) at Oxford Elementary School.

To register, call HRRC, 216-381-6100, ext. 16. Registration and payment are due by Friday, July 10.


 

Pam Wetherill

Pam Wetherill is the home repair education coordinator at HRRC.

Read More on Home Repair Resource Center
Volume 8, Issue 7, Posted 1:45 PM, 06.29.2015