Conservation of Plant-Pollinator Relationships in the Lower Columbia Region Program

The project proposes to enhance pollination networks and the diversity of interactions among both native plants and their native pollinator taking into account the changing climate and a history of habitat loss and degradation. The main goal is to increase the ecological connections among sites to work toward a more resilient landscape in the Lower Columbia Region in south-central British Columbia. On-the-ground actions will improve habitat for pollinators including at-risk bumble bees and butterflies, specialist bees, and moths through the planting of appropriate pollen, nectar, and host plants, and nesting resources. Two target ecological systems are at the focus of this work: the Monarch Flyway and Riparian Meadow Corridor. Diverse pollination networks have been called the ‘key to ecosystem sustainability’ as direct benefits to plants and pollinators flow up through the food chain, with improved food availability for plant, seed, fruit, and insect-eating animals.

Faculty Supervisor:

Brenda Beckwith

Student:

Mara Mannaerts

Partner:

Kootenay Native Plant Society

Discipline:

Environmental sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Selkirk College