A dry spring in British Columbia this year has raised concerns among researchers and honey producers regarding its impact on pollinators. Elaine Sedgman, a bee enthusiast and gardener in Kamloops, has observed a decrease 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, partly due to climate-related events like droughts that stress the plants essential for pollinators. In B.C., where an estimated 500 bee species reside, consecutive droughts and heat waves, including the 2021 heat dome, have intensified concerns.
As of the end of June, the B.C. Drought Information Portal reported that 27% of the province was facing drought conditions, an improvement from the 40% reported in May. Ground-nesting bees in B.C. are especially vulnerable to droughts, as dry and hardened soils make nest excavation and maintenance challenging, according to behavioural ecologist Caleb Bryan.
Drought-stressed plants produce less nectar with altered sugar ratios and concentrations, affecting the quantity and quality of food for bees. Additionally, drought stress impacts the signals that plants send to bees, making flowers harder to locate and less appealing.
Emily Huxter, owner of Wild Antho bee farm in the North Okanagan, anticipates a potential reduction in honey production due to changes in nectar quality and quantity caused by plant stress. Planting a variety of native plant species that bloom throughout the seasons can help support bee populations by ensuring a sufficient food supply.