BuzzFest in Crystal Beach aims to raise awareness about pollinators
August 11, 2025 at 8:50 PM
A non-profit group will be putting the bee in Crystal Beach this weekend.
The Niagara Bee Group and Crystal Beach Farmers Market are teaming up to host BuzzFest on Sunday, August 17. The special market day at The Grove will have live honey extraction and tastings, native plant and pollinator exhibits, activities for kids, music and a birds of prey demonstrations.
“This is an event just to bring some awareness to what we do and to maybe bring more people into the farmers market in Crystal Beach that don’t know that it exists and bring a little fun,” said Sandra Ozkur, a member of the Niagara Bee Group.
The Niagara Bee Group builds on previous work done to support pollinator populations in Niagara. Formed as a not-for-profit a little over a year ago, it started out offering a host-a-hive program where property owners could sign up to, as the name suggests, host a bee hive.
It included a data collection aspect as Niagara–like places across the globe–faces dwindling populations of bees and other pollinators.
Now, with non-profit status, the group is turning its attention to a wider scope.
“We’re really focusing on restoring and protecting our environment, in particular native plants, native habitats, birds and pollinating insects,” said Ozkur.
Property owners switching over from annual ornamentals to more native plants has many benefits, Ozkur said. It supports the native pollinators in the area, but also makes life easier for homeowners since they’re perennial and will survive local weather conditions without needing constant watering and care.
“Think carefully and plant with purpose, so you’re not just planting your garden with pretty, you’re planting with something that benefits our native species,” she said, adding many of the local flowers and plants are just as aesthetically pleasing as classic ornamentals.
In addition to improving things for bees and pollinators, the group is working on other projects, such as building nesting platforms for birds of prey like bald eagles and ospreys. Another project sees them working to reintroduce the bobwhite quail to the area.
This species of bird has an affinity for a certain pest that is becoming a big problem in the region.
“They feed upon insects and in particular they love ticks,” Ozkur said.
Sunday’s event at the market begins with an introduction at 10 a.m., which will be followed by the love honey extraction demonstration at 10:30 and free tastings at 11 a.m.
The “bumbees” awards will be handed out to host-a-hive participants at 11:30 a.m. before details of the quail release program are shared at noon. Shortly after noon, visitors will learn about the eagle nesting platform program, and about the overall importance of native plants and pollinators at 1 p.m.
Conservationist Dave Gibson will run birds of prey demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and bee group members will be on hand throughout.
Ozkur said the Crystal Beach market is a great place to get people talking about pollinators. Not only is it a great place for families and kids to visit on Sunday, but the young, entrepreneurial spirit from local vendors is exactly what is needed to support the ecosystem, she said.
The market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Grove in Crystal Beach, which is located at 4055 Erie Road.
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About The Author
Luke Edwards
Luke Edwards is a longtime Niagara community journalist who has covered a variety of beats, including business, agriculture, the wine industry and politics. When not writing, there's a good chance he can be found at a baseball diamond or curling rink.
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