Impact Area

Pollinators

Protecting habitats that protect pollinators.

Ducks Unlimited Canada / Alain Verrier

Unbee-lievable pollinators!

Pollinators bring the buzz to summer days and nights. We’re a-buzz with happiness when we see (and hear) the bees, birds, butterflies, moths, flies, wasps and beetles hard at work spreading pollen across the country. Pollinators are our natural partners in agriculture and vital components of the biodiversity that makes up healthy ecosystems.

Pollinators bring important benefits to the landscape throughout the different stages of their lives. The habitats they need, like wetlands and grasslands, can provide habitat for other wildlife, store water and carbon, reduce flooding, and provide medicines and foods. When we conserve and restore habitat, we provide natural environments for pollinators and hundreds of other wildlife species.

Why are pollinators important?

Pollinators are key to healthy and well-functioning biodiverse ecosystems. They also provide important services for farmers by pollinating plants used for food, beverages, medicines, condiments, spices, and fabrics.

Bees and other pollinators have a natural partnership with agriculture. Wild bees are prolific and efficient pollinators that are critical for the reproduction of several valuable food crops and native vegetation species. According to our research, mixed natural areas play a very important role in providing resources to wild pollinators for nesting and foraging, especially when located in cropped landscapes.

With abundant habitat, pollinators help increase crop production through increased pollination. That means we can continue to enjoy the foods we eat and the beverages we drink!

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10 Questions You Asked About Wild Pollinators PDF – 399 KB

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“Thirst traps” in the garden? Yes, but for pollinators!

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Tips for pollinator-friendly gardens and yards

Pollinators don’t need a big area of habitat to be successful, so every little bit helps.

Three ways you can help pollinators:

Plant native plants in your yard, windowsill or balcony garden. You can help pollinators stay hydrated this spring with a simple wildlife watering station on your balcony or in your backyard.
Contribute your sightings to science when you log your pollinator pictures on platforms like: iNaturalist, Mission Monarch, eButterfly and Bumblebee Watch
Donate, volunteer or advocate for wetlands and grasslands to help pollinators and biodiversity in your own community.

What is a grassland?

The most endangered terrestrial ecosystem is found right here in Canada: temperate grasslands.

What is a wetland?

Learn what defines a wetland and discover the different types of wetlands in Canada.

Fact or Fiction?

Think you know pollinators? Try our fun quiz and enjoy beautiful images of pollinating wildlife while you learn.

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Taking Action

Wetlands and grasslands are biodiversity hotspots where wildlife find food and shelter. Natural areas play a very important role in providing resources to wild pollinators and other beneficial insects. In this era of dire biodiversity loss, our research, conservation and restoration projects are helping wildlife populations with the habitats they need to survive and thrive in Canada.

How does our work help pollinating wildlife?

Research that guides conservation decisions
We are committed to conducting and sharing science that supports pollinators. Research shows that healthy landscapes that host mixed natural areas, including grasslands, wetlands, shelter-belt areas and ditch vegetation, aid in increasing biodiversity. Ducks Unlimited Canada conducts research and partners with industry leaders, producers and landowners to meld best management practices with wildlife habitat conservation.

Incentives for sustainable agriculture
We offer environmentally and economically sustainable solutions for farm landowners who support pollinators. Wetlands and grasslands provide critical habitat for pollinators, especially in cropped landscapes, and they can return the favour by increasing crop production through increased pollination. Our programs help farmers replace poorly producing areas with pollinator-friendly habitats such as wetlands, grasslands, perennial forage or flowering plant borders.

Restored wildlife habitat
Habitats are a key component of restoring healthy, sustainable landscapes with strong soil health, pollination services and climate resilience.

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Small farm life is good for the soul

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Fairnorth Farm
After three decades working in cities, the Boothbys were ready to slow down and enjoy nature on their small farm. Spend a few minutes at Fairnorth Farm with the birds and butterflies.