The Township of Tiny is pleased to announce that it has “bee-come" one of the newest municipalities to be designated as a Bee City with Bee City Canada. The goal of the Bee City Canada designation is to promote healthy, sustainable habitats and communities for pollinators.
Bees and other pollinators around the globe have experienced dramatic declines due to land fragmentation, habitat loss, use of pesticides, industrialized agriculture, climate change and the spread of pests and diseases, with serious implications for the future health of flora and fauna.
Over the past five years, the Township of Tiny has been pivotal in developing initiatives that protect pollinators. We have introduced a Pollinator Program in 2016 after receiving an Ontario150 Partnership Program grant. Public awareness and education were implemented, as well as the establishment of a Volunteer Program and educational signage. Eight pollinator meadows in six different public parks were created for a total of 2018m2 of new pollinator habitat. Tiny continues public outreach through a dedicated website Pollinator page, annual day camp programming and education through social media during Earth Week.
Through the Bee City Canada designation, the Township of Tiny and residents have the opportunity to support bees and other pollinators on both public and private land. Supporting pollinators fosters environmental awareness and sustainability, and increases interactions and engagement among community stewards.
As a designated Bee City, the Township of Tiny, can highlight initiatives already in place and further engage local communities in an environment of creativity and innovation which will promote a healthier life for our community.
What are pollinators?
Pollinators are any insect or animal that moves pollen from one plant to another. Here in the Township of Tiny, we have many different pollinators like bees, butterflies and birds! There are over 100,000 different species that play a role in pollinating different flowering species.
Why are they important?
We rely on pollinators to move pollen around to fertilize our plants to get fruits, vegetables and seeds. In fact, 75% of crops require pollination! All these pollinators are required for the survival of plants but also for the animals that rely on those plants to survive.
Why is everyone talking about them?
You might have noticed an increase in awareness around pollinators. This is because they are in decline due to several factors. This includes habitat loss, climate change, disease, and pesticides (especially neonicotinoids (neonics)).
The good news is, you can help! Here are some resources to help you get started making your space more pollinator-friendly.
- Flowers to Plant (PDF)
- Pollinator Garden Tips (PDF)
- Plant these to help save the bees (PDF)
- Bee and Butterfly House Info (PDF)
- Stages of a Wildflower Meadow (PDF)
- How to Build a Butterfly Garden (PDF)
In Tiny, Pollinator Gardens have been created to help our pollinators thrive. You can take a look at some pollinator gardens in the following locations:
- Bernie LeClair Parkette
- Lafontaine Park
- Perkinsfield Park
- Tiny Trail (Concession 4 & 6)
- Toanche Fire Station 3
- Wyevale Park