Much of British Columbia experienced a drier spring than usual this year, a situation that can negatively impact pollinators, according to researchers and honey producers. Elaine Sedgman, a bee enthusiast and gardener in Kamloops, has observed a decline in native bee populations visiting her flowers. She volunteers with the Native Bee Society of B.C., documenting sightings of native bee species for research purposes.
Wild bee populations across North America are dwindling, with climate-related events like droughts putting stress on the plants that pollinators depend on. In British Columbia, where nearly 500 bee species are estimated to reside, consecutive years of droughts and heatwaves, including the 2021 heat dome, have raised concerns.
As per the B.C. Drought Information Portal, by the end of June, 27% of the province was experiencing some level of drought, an improvement from the 40% reported in May. Ground-nesting bees in B.C. are particularly vulnerable to droughts, as dry conditions harden the soil and vegetation, making nest excavation and maintenance challenging.
Drought-stressed plants produce less nectar, which can affect the sugar content and concentration, impacting the food supply for bees. Additionally, the signals that flowers emit to attract bees can be altered under drought stress, making it harder for bees to locate and collect food.
Emily Huxter, a third-generation bee farmer in North Okanagan, expressed concerns about potential reductions in honey production due to changes in nectar quality and quantity caused by plant stress. The impact of this spring’s drought on honey production at her farm will be revealed in the coming weeks during the honey flow season.
To support bee populations, planting a variety of native plant species that bloom throughout the seasons is recommended. Ensuring a plentiful supply of flowers is crucial in areas where honey bees and native bees forage to sustain both populations adequately.