Pollination Conservation Challenge
Out and About
- Learn more about pollinators by visiting local museums, conservation areas and interpretive centres (see the Resources page for potential sites).
- Download our PlantSpotting App for your smartphone, so you can find and be inspired by pollinator gardens in your area.
- Help scientists study wild plants by participating in citizen science monitoring programs like PlantWatch (http://www.naturewatch.ca/english/plantwatch/).
- Do not pick wildflowers – leave them for the bees and butterflies!
- Avoid trampling and disturbing the habitats of wild species when on a nature hike by staying on designated trails.
- Wear good shoes when hiking in prairies (no bare feet or flip flops), to protect your feet in case you accidentally step on a bee or ant nest.
- If you feel an insect land on you, avoid automatically swatting it. If you swat a bee or wasp, you might drive its stinger into your body. Further, it may just be a harmless sweat bee or butterfly trying to lick the salt in your sweat.
- The best way to observe and photograph pollinators is to sit quietly near a patch of flowers and wait for them to show up. Move slowly to avoid startling them.
- The use of off-road vehicles can damage pollinator nests. Stay on established trails or get some exercise by walking.