The Halifax Regional Municipality is home to hundreds of different pollinator species, from hummingbirds and bats to butterflies and bees. In recognition of Pollinator Week (June 19-25), we are identifying the benefits of and threats to the diverse assortment of pollinators that live in our region.
What do pollinators do and why do we need them?
Pollinators are an essential part of ecosystems and food security. Pollinators allow plants to reproduce by moving pollen from flower to flower. More specifically, a pollinator moves pollen from the male anther of a flower to the female stigma of a flower. This is how many of our food crops reproduce.
In fact, one out of every three bites of food that we take is the result of the work of pollinators. The problem is that pollinators are in serious trouble and, in many cases, even at risk of extinction due to the effects of climate change. More and more of these key species are declining as an effect of rising temperatures, natural disasters, the increase in diseases such as American foulbrood and Nosema apis and the disappearance of food and habitat. Because pollinators need natural spaces with vegetation and flowering plants to forage for pollen and nectar, the expansion of agriculture, mining and development are leading to a dangerous lack of nourishment.
The honeybee
The species that we tend to associate most strongly with pollination is the honeybee. Honeybee colonies are struggling to survive because of the combination of parasites, poor nutrition and pesticides. Just one of these climate-related impacts on its own might be manageable for honeybees, but the combination of all three is making it impossible for them to thrive.
Honeybees are typically used in agriculture as “managed pollinators,” or pollinators that are managed by beekeepers that transport these insects across the country to crops like apples, almonds and blueberries that require them. The decline of honeybee populations due to climate change means that these crops are in crisis, especially since there has been a coinciding decline of “native pollinators,” or pollinators that are indigenous to one area.
What can we do to help?
We can listen and respond to what the earth is telling us through the collapse of pollinator populations. We are looking for opportunities to introduce more diversity and sustainability into our gardens and recognizing that we can grow plants in ways that work with the natural world rather than disrupt it.
Here is how the municipality is working to help pollinators thrive:
- we planted native trees, plants and shrubs, including flowering species like milkweed, at Penhorn Lake Park and Birch Cove to attract pollinators
- we prioritize healthy ecosystems through the Green Network Plan, the HalifACT climate action plan and our Regional Plan
- in 2016, Regional Council voted to amend By-Law A-700, allowing residents to keep and maintain honeybee hives
- Parks & Recreation staff have been working with community groups to deliver pilot-scale naturalization projects in municipal parks
- the municipality encourages residents to join existing Community Gardens and provides resources for those interested in starting a new garden
The conservation of pollinators and their habitats can help combat climate change by supporting healthy ecosystems, air, soil, water and plants. How can you join the effort to take care of pollinator populations?
- participate in municipal initiatives such as Boulevard Gardening and Community Gardens
- choose native species of annuals, perennials and flowering shrubs for your garden to attract a diversity of pollinators. Some examples are Swamp milkweed, Serviceberry and Elderberry. Check out the Boulevard Garden “how to” document for examples of more native species
- get to know common pollinators in our area by trying out apps that let you explore the natural landscape in new ways
- join or volunteer with local groups that focus on pollinator conservation
Living Lakeshores
Head over to the Living Lakeshores project page to find out how to register for free naturalization training.
Nature and Biodiversity
We’re so lucky to be surrounded by nature in the Halifax region, with forests, beaches, lakes, wetlands and barrens all around us. Keeping these ecosystems healthy is vital, as they provide us with clean water, store extra water during floods, clean our air and lower air temperatures. Healthy ecosystems also sequester carbon, which helps mitigate climate change.
Climate change projections for our region show that we can expect weather that is wetter, wilder and warmer than ever. Understanding how nature can help us adapt to these changing conditions is essential for building resilient communities. What’s more, access to pristine natural areas contributes to the magic of the municipality and attracts visitors, locals and new residents alike. Ecosystem health is also essential for our non-human residents such as birds, insects, mammals and plants. The biodiversity of our region depends on availability of healthy and diverse habitat.
Here are some ways we're working to protect and understand nature in the Halifax Regional Municipality:
- We're working with the Natural Asset Initiative on a pilot project in the Nine Mile River watershed to identify key natural assets that play a role in stormwater management and climate resilience.
- We were recently awarded Bird Friendly City status from Nature Canada, and continue to work with communities to make our region safer for birds and other wildlife.
- We released an Integrated Pest Management plan in 2022, and continue to work towards more effective management of invasive species.
- We use nature-based resilient landscaping such as rain gardens and naturalized areas to manage stormwater in our parks, right of way spaces and municipal property. We also provide resources for residents to manage excess water on their property using nature-based solutions at home.
- We encourage residents to plant perennials in the boulevard right-of-way, to promote biodiversity and habitat for pollinators.