Much of British Columbia faced a drier spring than usual this year, a situation that experts and beekeepers warn can negatively impact pollinators. Elaine Sedgman, a bee enthusiast and gardener in Kamloops, has observed a decrease in native bee activity around her flowers this season. She is a volunteer with the Native Bee Society of B.C., documenting sightings of native bee species for research purposes.
Wild bee populations in North America are declining, with climate-related events like droughts putting stress on the plants crucial for pollinators. In British Columbia, where nearly 500 bee species are estimated to reside, consecutive years of droughts and heatwaves, notably the 2021 heat dome, have raised concerns.
According to the B.C. Drought Information Portal, 27% of the province was experiencing some level of drought by the end of June, an improvement from 40% in May. Behavioral ecologist Caleb Bryan explains that bees in B.C. are especially vulnerable to droughts as many of them nest in the ground. Drought conditions harden soil, making nest excavation and maintenance challenging for the bees.
Furthermore, drought-stressed plants produce less nectar, affecting the quality and quantity of food supply for bees. The changes in flowers due to drought stress can also impact the signals they send to bees, making it harder for bees to locate and benefit from the flowers.
Emily Huxter, owner of Wild Antho bee farm in North Okanagan, expresses 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 known in a few weeks when the honey flow commences.
To support bee populations, Bryan recommends planting a variety of native plants that bloom throughout the seasons to ensure a continuous food supply for both honey bees and native bees.