How To Celebrate & Protect Our Pollinator Pals

National Pollinator Week (June 19 to 25) is approaching quickly and Silk Canada is leading the way in recognizing the importance of pollinators. Pollinators are responsible for a third of the food we love to cook with and eat every day. Due to a loss in nesting and feeding areas, pollinator populations are currently in decline posing a severe risk on our climate and food security. We spoke with Fiona O’Brien, director of marketing at Danone Canada, to learn more. —Noa Nichol

National Pollinator Week is approaching quickly; what’s it all about, and why is it important?

Pollinator Week is an annual celebration in support of pollinator health that was initiated by Pollinator Partnership Canada. We owe pollinators for a third of the food we love to cook with and eat every day (including Silk almond beverages)! Pollinator Week is about spreading awareness around what we can do to protect pollinators.

What are some of the challenges being faced (in Canada) by pollinators?

Many pollinator populations are in decline, especially in urban areas. This decline is attributed most severely to a loss in feeding (flowers!) and nesting habitats. This decline in pollinators could have serious consequences for food security and overall ecosystem health, so it is important to do our part to protect pollinators.

What is Silk Canada doing to help, and what can the rest of us do?

At the end of May, Silk, in collaboration with Pollinator Partnership Canada and local merchants,  introduced the “Silk Bee Line” in Montreal. It is an urban flower route that helps traveling pollinators get from one green space to another. The “Silk Bee Line” is open to the public all summer long and serves as a pathway for pollinating bees that are essential to our food supply. If you’re in Montreal, be sure to stop by Place de Castelnau to see the Silk Bee Line in action!

Top tips for attracting pollinators to our own gardens and keeping them safe and happy?

There are many ways you can get involved to help pollinators at home! You can:

• Plant pollinator friendly flowers such as Sneezeweed, Wild Bergamot, Canada Goldenrod, or see here for more!)
• Build your own Bee Hotel in your garden to let bees rest and reproduce.
• Sign the pollinator pledge.
• Download iNaturalist to help you identify plants and pollinators.
• Spread the message and invite other people to join the movement!
• For additional information and resources about pollinators, please visit Pollinator Partnership Canada.

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