Saturday Photo: Honey Bees in Mile End

Today, it seems, is the Day of the Honey Bee. It's a campaign to emphasize the importance of bees to pollination of plants and to call attention to the threat that bee stocks all over the world are currently undergoing.

That makes it the perfect moment for a photo of a volunteer activity in an area of Mile End near the railroad tracks that is zoned for industry. Many of the factory buildings are disused while others now house computer software companies or artists. The land has been claimed by people in the neighborhood as a "wild" park. The city is working with citizens' groups on a plan but many of the residents want the overgrown fields preserved, in part at least, as an example of what happens when land is left undisturbed. There is an abundance of wild flowers which makes it a good place for a beehive. The sign explains in French and English that the bees living here are making honey from the surrounding flowers, and will continue happily as long as they are not disturbed. If they are, however, watch out!

Actually, that could be said of much of nature....