Pollinator 'Super Highway'
Pollinators are finding it increasingly difficult to survive in our current landscape. This is due to things like pesticide use, monocrops, habitat destruction, development and less green space in general. Creating and protecting pesticide-free, natural, pollinator-friendly spaces can help them find paths through urban areas, help keep our food supply vigorous and make our community look more beautiful.
Helping to achieve those goals does not require a tremendous amount of effort.
Planting local pollinator-friendly species in yards, alleys, boulevards and what some call the ‘forgotten strip’ – the area between sidewalk and roadway - can make a big difference.
Our goal is to have as many areas planted with pollinator-friendly flowers, vegetables, herbs and trees as possible. Let's spread the word and help pollinators and our local food supply grow and thrive!!!
All About Bees
The Importance of Honey Bees
Honey bees are a vital part of our natural environment. They are responsible for pollinating most of our fruit crops, vegetables, tree-nuts and seeds.
Bees are in trouble. What can you do to help?
One third of our food is pollinated by these amazing little creatures as they transfer pollen from male anthers to female stigma and initiate the production of fruit or seeds.
There is a Buzz in Vernon
Urban beekeeping is on the rise in North America and Canada is no exception. Since 2008 the number of beekeepers has increased by almost 2,000 across the country.
Pollinator Pals
Can you imagine a safe super highway for bees, birds, butterflies and other pollinators? These people have.
Schools, community groups and businesses have gotten directly involved or adopted sections to plant throughout Vernon and the surrounding area.
Creating pollinator paths in small spaces
Small Space - Big Difference
What a transformation over only two growing seasons!!
Vernon resident Danielle Zierler created and beautified this very small boulevard area and also provided pollinator friendly plants and protected habitat!!
Even small pots on a patio can feed and house pollinators!!
Kidston Elementary School Entrance
Food For Pollinators
Dawn Guenette, active volunteer at Kidston Elementary School shared that the:
“Butterfly Garden at the entrance to the school is home to sunflowers, bee balm, orac and globe thistle which the bees particularly love.
Students have been tending to this garden, showing some pride and ownership.”
Okanagan Landing School Garden
Working Together
Terry Petersen, teacher at Okanagan Landing school and Lennon Petersen in the Pollinator Landing Garden, a 5000 square foot garden area at Okanagan Landing school.
Students and staff work together to grow plants that both support pollinators and provide food.
More From Communities Like Yours
Our beautiful Pollinator Path sign was designed by Nancy Wilde.
How Can I help?
Plant Native Species
Planting local pollinator-friendly species in yards, alleys, boulevards and what some call the ‘forgotten strip’ – the area between sidewalk and roadway - can make a big difference.
Native species attract many more pollinators than non-natives and hybrids (often useless to pollinators)
Native plants provide the food needed for caterpillars that then feed the birds of our area (which also help pollinate).
Plant in Groups
Pollinators use less energy gathering, and plants in groups provide shelter.
Provide Plants of Various Shapes and Sizes
For different tongue lengths and different size pollinators.
Change Your Thinking about Lawns
Consider replacing all or part of lawn areas with native flowers, bushes, trees, grasses etc. Less mowing and better for pollinators and biodiversity.
Xeriscape plants that do well with little or no water are especially well suited to these areas so little or no maintenance is needed.
Preserve Areas
Preserve biodiversity and pollinator habitat by avoiding leaf blowers, weed whackers etc and leave some natural areas undisturbed.
Don’t be Too Tidy
Leave hollow stems and some leaves for pollinators to nest in over winter.
Delay yard clean up until spring to help pollinators survive over winter. As dead plant materials break down they also add nutrients to your garden soil.
Leave branches with food (seeds, berries etc) for birds over the winter.
Resources
Become a Pollinator Path Participant
Would you like to be awarded one of these beautiful signs and be a Bee Buddy and Pollinator Pal?
Read below to find out how!
Via Facebook, follow these steps:
BE a North Okanagan resident.
PLEDGE not to use pesticides and herbicides.
POST a photo of your growing space.
TAG a friend who you think would also like to participate.
SHARE this post to your facebook page.
LIKE the SENS facebook page.
We will inform you in the comments and arrange for sign pick up.
Via Email, Follow These Steps:
BE a North Okanagan resident.
PLEDGE not to use pesticides and herbicides.
EMAIL us a photo of your growing space that we can then share to inspire others (you don't have to have your name or address included if you don't wish).
SHARE this page with a friend who you think would also like to participate.
You will be contacted via email to arrange a sign pick up.
Thank you for protecting our pollinators!
Big thank you to the City of Vernon for the Sustainability Grant .