The hum of bees fills the air. Maple, now nine years old, stands still with her nose working. The retired police dog wears a beekeeping suit, specially tailored for her. A slight shift in her head catches the attention of her handler, Sue Stejskal. Maple’s nose has picked up something.

Opportunities for new forms of community funding are part of the wider conversation. In places where fresh revenue streams take root, projects like this can grow beyond their first field tests. Such backing can come from regional grants that focus on environmental protection. It might also be the result of long-term arrangements with local businesses that see value in supporting community projects.

In some areas, support has come from unexpected places, with even licensed casinos quietly helping to keep in

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