Bee Part of the Solution with The Land Conservancy of BC’s new Pollinator Enhancement Project
Photo by Ted Kropiewnicki.
Pollination by insects such as bees is one of the most important ecosystem services on the planet and is essential in both natural and cultivated landscapes. Pollination is central to all human beings, livestock, and wildlife. Unfortunately, you don’t have to look far to see the plight of the beloved bee. On Vancouver Island alone, an 85% decline of honey bee colonies was reported in 2009/2010. It’s not all doom and gloom as TLC is offering a possible solution through their Pollinator Enhancement Project.
The loss of habitat due to industrial/urban development and intensive agriculture has affected food sources and nesting sites for bees. Inadequate supplies of pollen and nectar during foraging times from February to November causes malnutrition and in some cases starvation. Also, certain pesticides and insecticides have been known to harm the health of bees.
TLC believes strongly in the conservation of our pollinators and is excited to launch a project to address bee declines. One of the movements being established is to increase the populations and well-being of native bees and their habitat. Currently, there are 400 native bee species in B.C. and these little guys can pollinate entire crops, and in some ways are more effective than honey bees.
The primarily focus of TLC’s Pollinator Enhancement Project is to work with the farming community to conduct public on-farm demonstrations profiling a diversity of approaches to native bee conservation. About 70% of bees nest in the ground, excavating shallow tunnels in patches of exposed soil, and 30% nest in cavities in old trees or plant stems. Therefore, the distance between nest sites and foraging areas should be no more than 1500 feet, ideally 600 feet to accommodate the diversity of bee sizes. Recognizing and promoting habitats and providing season-long pollen supplies are also key activities for every farm. Setting aside undisturbed areas, adapting cover crops mixes to increase bee forage, allowing certain crops to go to flower before plowing them in and ensuring there is an adequate water source for hydration for these busy bees are just a few simple tips.
For more simple techniques on how to enhance pollinator habitat and populations please visit our Bringing Back the Bees page. We can all be a part of the solution.
For further information: Nathalie Chambers, Agricultural Programs Assistant, ph: 250-479-8053, cell: 250-896-2261, email: nchambers@conservancy.bc.ca.
