Pollinators are critical to the production of crops that supply Canadians with food and materials and play an essential role in maintaining healthy and diverse local habitats and natural systems. Unfortunately, pollinator populations are in significant decline from facing challenges such as habitat loss and degradation, pesticide use, climate change, various agricultural and gardening practices and introduced species.​

Learn About Pollinators!

What are Pollinators?

Plants rely on wind, water, gravity, birds, insects, bats, and other animals that visit flowers to transfer pollen from the male parts of the flower to the female parts. These vehicles of pollination are called pollinators.

Animals are one of the most common vehicles of pollination. Ontario has a diverse range of pollinator animals, including flies, beetles, ants, moths, wasps, hummingbirds, bats, butterflies and bees, which spread pollen from one plant to another as they navigate flowers for food.​

What is Pollination?

Pollination is the act of transferring pollen grains from the male parts of a flower to the female parts of a flower to bring about fertilization. Pollination is the first step in seed formation.​

Tips on How to Support Pollinators

• Don’t use pesticides and minimize herbicides in your garden.
• Provide a source of water by leaving a shallow basin of water on the ground.
• Leave your leaf litter and plant matter over winter to provide shelter and habitat for pollinators overwinter.
• Spread the word and share the wonders of pollinators with friends and neighbours.
• Plant a variety of native and pollinator friendly plants​ in your yard!​

Pollinator Friendly Resources

• City of Brampton Meadows Brochure​
• Bee City Canada​
• Pollinator Partnership Canada
• The Butterflyway Project and Rangers​​​
• ​​​The Butterflyway Project Brampton is an initiative run by volunteers to spread pollinator habitat across the flower city. A Butteflyway is a collection of 12 native plant gardens (both large and small) within a local area. From balcony container gardens to large community projects, Butterflyway Rangers are working with community members to increase habitat for butterflies, bees, and other native pollinators. Butterflyway Rangers can help with the selection and installation of plants to attract and support a variety of our native pollinators. Qualifying garden to receive a sign identifying them as part of the Butterflyway. ​

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Pollinator friendly plant lists and garden tips from partners and neighbours

​Explore more pollinator friendly plant lists and garden tips from our partners and neighbours:

• Native Plants for Pollinators – Credit Valley Conservation
• Home and Garden Lists – Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
• Selecting Plants for Pollinators GTA – Pollinator Canada
• Plant Paradise Toolkit​ – Pollinators Paradise Project

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