It’s that time of year, Pollinator Week!! Monday, June 20th, marks the beginning of Canada’s National Pollinator Week.
Celebrating Pollinators!
Pollinators are crucial to the environment! A huge number of plant species rely on them to transfer pollen for fertilization. Over 250,000 plant species depend on pollinators! These pollinators include bees, moths, butterflies, birds, and bats to carry out this critical task. Many of the plants we rely on for food or drinks, building materials, fabrics, and medicines require pollination. The presence of these organisms is irrefutably indispensable. One of the most important pollinators is the honeybees, which pollinate over 110 different crops. Here in Atlantic Canada, there are more than 40,000 hives that farmers use to carry out the pollination requirements for our local produce. Unfortunately, the population of many bees and other pollinating species is threatened more and more every year. The reduction of viable ecosystems, disruptions of nesting habitats, an increase of harmful pesticides, diseases and pests, climate change, and human activity are all causing damaging effects on the pollinators (Ramos-Jiliberto et al. 2020). This is why National Pollination Week is so important, to take action and spread awareness on what we can do to protect native species and their ecosystems.
.png)
What is pollination week?
In 2018, Canada adopted the second last week in June to be our National Pollinator week. During this time, we come together to celebrate all pollinators and to learn about their role and importance in pollinating the natural ecosystems. To take part in this week, you can attend or host events such as planting for pollinators, hosting garden tours, and participating in online bee and butterfly ID workshops. If you would like to host an event or explore events in your area, you can visit the official Pollinator Partnership Canada website at https://pollinatorpartnership.ca/en/pollinator-week-canada. This website can also provide you with more ideas about how you can celebrate as an individual or with your peers. It includes social media links, an official Pollinator toolkit, T-shirts, and posters, such as the following.
.png)
This artistic poster, created by Natalya Zahn, is called Wings of Life and has the ability to come to life with a virtual tour containing exciting information about the pollinators featured in the poster.
A big thank you to Pollinator Partnership, which initiated
and managed this annual event to protect our pollinators, and an even bigger
thank you to those participating in the festivities next week!
Have a Happy National Pollinator Week!!
Connecting with ATTTA Specialists