Pollinator Friendly Squamish

Helping pollinators through education and habitat enhancement

Mission

To support thriving, diverse pollinator populations through education and the implementation of pollinator-friendly practices within our community.

Why is this important?

Pollinators are vital to plant reproduction—moving pollen within and between flowers—and are therefore essential to the health of agricultural crops and natural vegetation.

In natural areas, pollinators help to maintain biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, and capture carbon.
In agricultural areas, two-thirds of important crops, such as fruits, nuts and grains, rely on pollinators.

Worldwide pollinator populations are decreasing as they face threats from climate change, habitat loss, invasive species, and pesticides.

British Columbia pollinators include: bees, wasps, flies, beetles, moths, butterflies and hummingbirds.

How are we contributing?

Bee City

We plan to develop resolutions in cooperation with the District of Squamish that meet Bee City Canada certification requirements. The measures will support all pollinators and benefit local ecosystems.

Pollinator Patchwork

We are identifying existing pollinator habitat pockets on public and private land and engaging the community to create more. Our goal is to establish a pollinator patchwork—a corridor of flowering plants that provides hospitable habitat for pollinators within our urban environment.

Community Awareness

Events offer hands-on opportunities to build knowledge of native plants and pollinator-friendly practices. Educational programs for children and adults share practical ways individuals can reduce threats to pollinators.

Community Science

Photos of native plants and pollinators shared on iNaturalist contribute to Biodiversity Squamish data, strengthening local biodiversity records and conservation efforts.

Volunteer Opportunities

Year round: Join our steering committee or “Seed Sitters Club”, help create pollinator habitat, provide behind-the-scenes support.

There are many ways to get involved, big or small, to help make our community more pollinator-friendly.

Learn More

Questions about this program?

Reach out to our Program Coordinator

Caroline Slade

cslade@naturesquamish.ca

Who are we working with?

Our Pollinator Friendly team is made up of pollinator enthusiasts, gardeners and other engaged community members, working in collaboration with the District of Squamish, and following Bee City Canada guidance.

Our Pollinator Friendly Squamish Program launched in March 2026 and quickly gained momentum.

In its first few weeks, we participated in a “Seedy Saturday” event to share information about native bees, presented to a local service club, began identifying sites for pollinator plantings, established a “Seed Sitters Club” to grow pollinator-friendly plant starts, initiated our first Pollinator Pathway planting, and organized a screening of My Garden of a Thousand Bees.

We are actively building capacity, expanding community connections, increasing awareness of the program, and identifying new Pollinator Patchwork sites. These efforts support our goal of becoming a Bee Friendly City by improving pollinator habitat and reducing threats.

Meet the Pollinators – More than Just Bees