Engaging people in habitat, diversity, and our food system

Human activity has resulted in the loss, fragmentation, and degradation of habitat and, along with pesticide use, is the main cause of these declines. Urban gardens are a great way to restore habitat, and as a response to this, the Environmental Youth Alliance's is working with the community to, in some small way, help create new habitat for pollinators that is essential to keeping plant communities diverse and productive.

We have chosen to focus our attention on the Blue Orchard Mason Bee (Osmia lignaria), a native bee species that can be used effectively in educational campaigns. They are non-aggressive, propagate easily and are extremely effective pollinators, particularly of apples, cherries, and pears. With over 150 volunteer 'bee stewards', the project has established 150 mason bee homes and nectar-rich plantings across the City of Vancouver. Volunteers have agreed to maintain and monitor the condos for two years, reporting in on a monthly basis on bee habitation and activity. They have also agreed to not use pesticides in their garden. Funded by Environment Canada's EcoAction Community Funding Program, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Canadian Wildlife Federation, and the Vancouver Foundation, the program will run until October 2010.

Through public lectures, media, and signage, Pollinators' Paradise will also share information with a larger audience, encouraging the establishment of healthy pollinator populations on both public and private land. A key message will be that regardless of the size of the property, pollinator habitat can be created and enhanced, ensuring a rich, diverse, and fertile landscape.