Summer is for the Bees

Bzzzz - is there anything better than the h u m m of a summer yard?

But what kind of pollinators do you see? It seems there are so many different types. . from bumblebees to flies, to honey bees? How do you ID them all? And how many different species are in Cowichan? Honeybees were imported from Europe almost 400 years ago and they continue to be managed for honey production and pollination services. But there are well over 800 species of native ground and twig nesting bees in Canada too! Most of these bee species live a solitary life; but a minority are social and form colonies or nest in aggregations. Native bees visit and pollinate many crops, in addition to native plants. It is important to support a diversity of species for adequate pollination of both our crops and native flora and word on the street is they are in trouble!

Try out our summer pollinator challenge! How many can your family complete this summer?

• Grow, don’t mow. Leave a portion of your garden grass uncut and let the dandelions, clovers and thistles flower… these are important food sources for buzzing friends!

• Plant pollinator friendly plants. … include native plants that flower over a variety of seasons.

• Grow your own food! Even one or two veggie plants or herbs can be put in pots on the deck.

• Make a home for a bee… Mason bee homes are super simple. There are lots of fun project ideas on YouTube!

• Reduce pesticide use. This is crucial! Limit your herbicide and pesticide use.

Sierra Stacey (Harvey), Restoration and Freshwater Coordinator Sierra Stacey (Harvey), Restoration and Freshwater Coordinator