BEES

What a gift to have someone as experienced as Dave Goulson, award-winning entomologist, conservationist, and biology professor write this important book on how to become aware of the world of insects all around us. I am now intrigued by how important insects are to all of nature, including ourselves. As a boy growing up in Shropshire, England, Goulson brought some caterpillars home from the school playground. When they transformed into cinnabar moths, his path opened out before him: “This seemed like magic to me—and still does. I was hooked” (p. 1).

Most trees have blossomed by now, though a handful more blossom each month, mostly because they are ornamentals and come from somewhere else. And some shrubs are still in bloom. Mostly though, I was looking at herbaceous plants growing from tubers, bulb-like corms, and perennial roots; some are considered noxious invasive plants, according to the Invasive Species Council of BC. 

This three-year community project represents an important collaboration between citizen scientists of the Thompson-Shuswap Master Gardeners, the general public, Thompson Rivers University, and Big Little Science.

The project provided important data regarding the abundance of pollinators in the Kamloops area during the summers of 2017- 2019. It was initiated by the Master Gardeners because of the lack of information surrounding native bee abundance and diversity here.

THIS REGIONAL GUIDE IS JUST ONE in a series of plant selection tools designed to provide you with information on how to plant local native plants for pollinators. Each of us can have a positive impact by providing the essential habitat requirements for pollinators including food, water, shelter, and enough space to raise their young.

https://pollinatorpartnership.ca/assets/generalFiles/Thompson_Okanagan.Plateau.2019.pdf

An informative brochure detailing what to grow to attract pollinators to your garden.  Learn which plants attract honey bees, native bumblebees, native solitary bees and other beneficial insects.

Brochure:  Gardening for Pollinators

More information on pollinators and beneficial insects:  http://www.pollinationcanada.ca/index.php?n=pc_profiles

This brochure focuses on the most common bees that observers might see in their gardens or on hiking trails.
Brochure:  Common Bees of the Southern Interior, 2nd edition