Pollinators are birds, bats, bees, butterflies and other small mammals that pollinate plants. They do this by collecting pollen on their bodies as they move about in search of food. In the process of travelling around they leave some of that pollen behind on many plants allowing those plants to re-produce.

Pollinators are responsible for enabling the production of about 1/3 of the food we eat including countless fruits, vegetables and nuts. They are also responsible for enabling the production of about 1/2 of the world’s oils, fibres and raw materials. The growth of these pollinated plants also sequesters vast amounts of carbon dioxide and the plants’ root systems prevent soil erosion.

Unfortunately this valuable ecosystem service is increasingly at risk as the populations of many pollinator species are in decline due to climate change, environmental toxins such as pesticides, increased levels of disease, and loss of habitat where they feed and reproduce.

A way to help reverse the decline in pollinator populations is through widespread conservation efforts. Pollinator week works to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators, the plight of pollinators and the conservation actions people can take.

The City of Brampton was officially recognized as a BEE City in June 2021. An area in Dearbourne Park was selected as a pilot pollinator plot and the city has had an expanded NO MOW program leaving many areas to grow naturally. Late last month, the City organized a pollinator maintenance and planting event in Dearbourne Park.

To learn more about pollinators and Pollinator week, visit https://beecitycanada.org/pollinator-week/. Also check out the BEA pollinator series on Instagram . Finally the BEA will soon be hosting a pollinator walk. Stay tuned for more information.