City celebrates Pollinator Week

HAMILTON, ON – To celebrate Pollinator Week and the City’s designation as the 39th Bee City in Canada, the City of Hamilton will be lighting the Hamilton Sign yellow beginning tonight to encourage residents to join in on creating pollinator friendly habitats on their property.

In honour of Pollinator Week, the City is sharing tips with residents on how they can support pollinators:

• Choose a variety of native plants, trees and shrubs that bloom at different times of the year so there’s always nectar, pollen and habitat available;
• If you don’t have space for a garden, opt for a potted native plant such as a butterfly milkweed to support the monarch butterfly;
• Add a water feeder to your garden to attract pollinators. Water feeders attract not only pollinators, but other beneficial insects such as ladybugs that help remove invasive pests such as aphids.
• Use natural fertilizers like compost or shredded leaves instead of synthetic fertilizers.
• Instead of removing them, keep leaves, twigs and stems in your garden at the end of the gardening season – these create crucial overwintering habitats for pollinators.

“I am honoured that the City of Hamilton and its partners have been recognized as the 39th Bee City in Canada for the collective efforts of individuals, organizations, and the municipality in supporting wild bee populations. Pollinator Week is a great reason to encourage citizens to do their part to support pollinators and biodiversity by expanding habitats for pollinator species. Every bit counts, and we are making great steps in providing healthy habitats for our pollinator populations.” - Mayor Fred Eisenberger

Quick facts

• Pollinator Week is an annual event celebrated internationally in support of pollinator health and runs from June 21 to June 27, 2021.
• The event raises awareness for pollinator protection and encourages residents in Canada to create pollinator habitats by adding native plants to their garden.
• Hamilton is a designated Bee City based on the commitments from Environment Hamilton, Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton Conservation Authority, Hamilton Naturalists Club and the municipality to create new pollinator habitats, provide education and community outreach opportunities, and look for innovative ways to celebrate pollinators in our city.

To learn more about Hamilton’s designation as the 39th Bee City in Canada, visit: hamilton.ca/beecity

Additional resources

• www.hamilton.ca/beecity
• beecitycanada.org