Nature NB is conducting field surveys in Fredericton this summer to study native bumblebees. The conservation group, in collaboration with the Mi’kmaq-led Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources, aims to map bumblebee locations in New Brunswick and the Maritimes for the first time. This initiative, led by program co-ordinator Francie Morgan, seeks to provide essential data for conservation efforts and informed decision-making to protect bumblebee habitats.
Partnering with local organizations like Amlamgog (Fort Folly) Habitat Recovery team, EOS Eco-Energy, and Pays de Cocagne Sustainable Development Group, Nature NB is surveying three sites in different neighborhoods on Fredericton’s north side. By identifying bumblebee species based on distinct color patterns and shapes, six different species were documented in June, out of the 18 known species in the province.
Collected data is shared with various organizations and added to the iNaturalist database for global research use. According to Morgan, protecting bumblebee habitats benefits not only bumblebees but also other species like wasps, monarchs, and hummingbirds. The recent draft recovery strategy by the New Brunswick government highlights the importance of monitoring and conserving threatened local bumblebee species, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts between researchers and non-profit organizations.
The significance of native bumblebees in maintaining ecosystem stability and resilience is highlighted, with an emphasis on supporting wild pollinators by allowing yard space to grow wild. Educating local residents about the importance of bumblebees and their role in sustaining native plant diversity is crucial for conservation efforts and creating sustainable ecosystems in the face of environmental challenges.