Bees are an important part of functioning ecosystem, both wild and agricultural.

Bees are in trouble. European Honey Bees are suffering from Colony Collapse Disorder and winter colony mortality. The causes are still unknown, but disease and pesticides are top contenders. Native Bees, there's 70 species in  Alberta, could fill in for the introduced European Honey Bee. But they also face problems such as habitat loss and fragmentation.

Too help raise awareness of the threats to bee and how people can help, Wilderness Committee mascot Miel-vin, a giant bee, took to the streets of Edmonton to give out bee hugs. The idea came from Umbra Fisk of grist.org and is a fun way to bring attention to an important issue.

And people reacted positively.

"This is literally a motherhood and apple pie issue. No bees, no apples, no pie." says Miel-vin. "People love bees and I got many hugs.

To see more pictures of Miel-vin or to become his fan go to the Bee Hugs Fan Facebook Page.

Miel-vin will continue to appear on the street and at event in Edmonton. Contact Kevin Stewart at aspenparkland@yahoo.com or (780) 421-7335 to arrange and appearance.