Following the events we hosted in 2014 on pollination awareness, we’ve decided to add a new page to our site dedicated to this topic.

(Please check back often, as we are actively working on this page.)

Pollinator-friendly Resources

Pollinator Garden – A Toronto Master Gardeners Guide

Learn all about pollinator gardens and how to create your own. A very useful table of native and non-native pollinator friendly plants is provided at the bottom of the article.

Pollinator Projects

Journey North – Monarchs

Watch the progress of the Monarch migration from Mexico, starting in February! Get involved by adding information on your own Monarch sightings.

Pollinator Issues in the News:

Ontario restricts bee-killing neonic pesticides

Ontario first in North America to curb bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides

Ontario takes a big step toward protecting pollinators!

Draft regulations were recently (Mar 24, 2015) announced, that will reduce the use of neonic treated corn and soybean seeds by 80% in Ontario over the next two years. It is said this would greatly benefit pollinators of rural crops and the surrounding areas.

No milkweed means no monarch butterflies, feds warned

A recent (Feb 25, 2015) CTV report on efforts to plant more milkweed for Monarchs

Monarch butterfly numbers may come back from record low

The CBC reports on the threats that Monarch populations face – including extreme cold this winter (2014-15) and habitat loss. The hope is that the species can rebound from record low numbers last winter.

Ontario Agriculture Ministry removing milkweed plant from noxious weed list

In this article (March 2014), written just prior to OMAF removing milkweed from the noxious weed list (May 2014), the importance of Milkweeds to Monarchs is highlighted and the benefits of the decision by OMAF are anticipated.

Bees matter, so restricting neonics is the right thing to do

This article reflects on the news of Ontario’s proposal to restrict the use of neonics, and also briefly explains what neonics are and how they impact the environment.

Shedding Light on Three Big Lies About Systemic Pesticides and Bees

This is a critique of an article that claims evidence of bee colony collapse points away from neonics.
The three lies refuted are: 1. Mounting Evidence Shows Neonics Are Safe for Bees; 2. Honeybee Colonies Are on the Rise; 3. Bees Are Thriving in Australia Despite Neonics