Much of British Columbia experienced a drier spring than usual this year, which experts and honey producers warn can negatively impact pollinators. Elaine Sedgman, a bee enthusiast and gardener in Kamloops, has observed a decline in native bee activity around her flowers. She volunteers with the Native Bee Society of B.C., documenting native bee sightings for research purposes.
Wild bee populations across North America are declining, with climate-related events like droughts putting stress on the plants that pollinators depend on. In British Columbia, nearly 500 bee species are at risk due to consecutive years of droughts and heat waves, notably the 2021 heat dome.
According to the B.C. Drought Information Portal, by the end of June, 27% of the province was experiencing some level of drought, an improvement from 40% in May. Ground-nesting bees in B.C. are particularly vulnerable to droughts as the dry and hardened soil makes nest excavation challenging, affecting their population viability.
Drought-stressed plants produce less nectar, leading to changes in nectar quality and quantity, impacting the food supply for bees. Flower signals can also be altered under water stress, making it harder for bees to locate and benefit from flowers.
Emily Huxter, owner of Wild Antho bee farm in North Okanagan, highlights the potential reduction 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 will be known in a few weeks during the honey flow period.
To support bee populations, planting a variety of native plant species that bloom throughout the seasons is recommended. Creating abundant flower resources is crucial for both honey bees and native bees to ensure an adequate food supply.