Improving Wild and Native Bee Habitats

Research on the ecology, health, and management of pollinators other than the honey bee represents an innovative and imperative research direction to maintain ecosystem health and the production of many pollinator-dependent crops. Although there are over 20,000 wild bee species worldwide, many of them are declining on a global scale. Improving wild and native bee habitat and health is essential to conserve and protect diversity in our pollinator communities.

Current Research

  • Status: Ongoing, led by Patricia Wolf Veiga, NBDC
  • Description: The proportion of natural land area in croplands has a positive relationship with disease and pathogen reduction for both wild and managed pollinators. For a bee, floral quality depends heavily on pollen content, as pollen provides the main source of proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals in their diets. Further, diversity in pollen diet and regenerative agricultural practices has the potential to positively affect the longevity and health of honey bees. The main objectives of this project are to 1) evaluate natural land quality in terms of floral resource (pollen) and habitat options for wild bees in croplands and 2) examine links between regenerative farming, wild bee diversity, and bee diseases.
  • Partners: Alfalfa Seed Commission of Alberta (ASCA), Peace Country Beef & Forage (PCBFA), Peace Region Forage Seed Association (PRFSA)
  • Funding: NSERC Mobilize Grant – Enhancing production, resilience, and ecosystem health in Northern regenerative agricultural systems, Alfalfa Seed Commission of Alberta (ASCA),
  • Status: Ongoing, led by Patricia Wolf Veiga, NBDC
  • Description: Although oil and gas sites are often perceived as areas of deforestation and disturbance, they can be a welcome addition to the landscape for pollinators. The removal of large trees and shrubs for pipeline installations increases the sunlight needed for a diversity of flowering plants, and the maintenance of low-growing vegetation for pipeline accessibility encourages the regrowth of many native wildflowers, which are valuable resources for our pollinators. The main objective of this project is to restore habitat for pollinators and increase floral diversity along natural gas pipeline corridors while maintaining safety and accessibility for pipeline managers.
  • Funding: Arc Resources

Get in Touch

NWP National Bee Diagnostic Centre

Office: BVE104

Phone: 780-357-7737

Email: NBDC@nwpolytech.ca