NCC: Land Lines – The buzz about bees: The vital role of Prairie grasslands in bee conservation

Bees, like many other pollinators, are a sign of a healthy ecosystem. Unfortunately, these cute critters face numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change, disease and poisoning. As a result, many bee species, such as western bumble bee, are now listed as threatened in Canada, which means without efforts to reduce their population decline, these species may go extinct. 

Did you know Prairie grasslands are critical to food security? The agriculture sector relies on wild pollinators to produce nutritional and economic benefits for people. Crop yield and quality for many foods depends on both the abundance and diversity of pollinators. Grasslands provide nesting sites, refuge and food for a diverse community of wild pollinators. Grasslands also provide forage for livestock and wild herbivores.  

Imagine a world without the gentle hum of bees, tirelessly working to pollinate flowers and crops. These small but mighty creatures play a crucial role in our food systems and natural habitats. Their decline would not only signify a loss of biodiversity but also a threat to the stability of our food supply.  

The beauty of the Prairie grasslands goes beyond their scenic vistas. Each wildflower and blade of grass plays a part in this intricate web, providing sustenance and shelter to countless species. By protecting these vital landscapes, we are safeguarding the future of wild pollinators and our own well-being.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is leading the Prairie Grasslands Action Plan — a commitment to conserve and care for half-a-million hectares by the end of the decade. The 500,000-hectare target is based on the average rate of conversion: nearly 60,000 hectares of Prairie grasslands are lost every year. 

Public awareness around the importance of Prairie grasslands and the dangers they face is growing, but direct and immediate action to ensure their conservation is needed. Wild pollinators, which are essential for agriculture and natural ecosystems, depend on these grasslands for survival. Only by working together can we make a real change and conserve what remains, forever. To learn more about the Prairie Grasslands Action Plan, visit prairiegrasslands.ca.