Part of York University’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change in Toronto, Canada, we study and share what we learn about native pollinators – here in the Great Lakes Region and globally.
Colla Conservation Science Lab, founded by Dr. Sheila Colla, is interested in all aspects of native pollinator conservation. Our research includes ecology, biology, policy, and community science. See our latest projects →
We and the world of conservation science have experienced an extraordinary loss. With heavy hearts, we share that Sheila Rafaella Colla – beloved partner and mother, sister and daughter, professor and mentor, scientist and author, ecologist and activist, and friend to so, so many – died July 6, 2025 at the age of 43, after 20 months of bravely living with Mesothelioma. Read a tribute to Dr. Colla’s life and work here →
What we do
Our Research
Bumblebee Ecology & Conservation
Public Education
Collaboration
Interdisciplinary Approach
resources
In honour of Dr. Sheila Colla, science-illustrator Ann Sanderson painted For Sheila, capturing the interdependence of plants and pollinators native to Toronto and the Great Lakes region, a work of art that reminds us that in our shared ecosystem, we are all connected.
There are three versions of the art print poster to choose from, as well as a file of the poster fully labelled. They are free to download here.
The signs of spring that are indigenous to Toronto and the Great Lakes region are diverse and colourful. You can read more about some of the beautiful seasonal changes to watch for and download a printable poster here.
The endangered Rusty-patched Bumble Bee was once historically common throughout its large range in Canada (Ontario and Quebec) and the USA. In the past three decades it has become rare, with only a handful of individuals spotted each year.
This species is one of the first to emerge in the spring and the colony finishes up in the fall, requiring multi-season sustenance. This free poster (click below to download it) shows some examples of native plants to grow in a flower patch for the Rusty-patched to help support the full life cycle of this bee on the brink of extinction.
The design was made possible through a grant to Wildlife Preservation Canada from The Rogers Foundation and the beautiful illustrations are by artist Ann Sanderson.
A Garden for the Rusty-patched Bumblebee: Creating Habitat for Native Pollinators (Ontario and Great Lakes Edition) is a resource for gardeners who want to learn about pollinators and for ento fans who want to learn about gardening. Co-written by Colla Lab founder Dr. Sheila Colla and author Lorraine Johnson with beautiful illustrations by artist Ann Sanderson, it’s a national bestseller and available in many libraries and local bookshops. Find it here →
Support Dr. Sheila Colla's Legacy
Our lab founder, Sheila, dedicated her life to protecting native pollinators and inspiring others to turn science into action.
To honour her extraordinary legacy, our friends at Wildlife Preservation Canada have established the Sheila Colla Pollinator Research Conservation Fund, a permanent scholarship for graduate students studying at-risk pollinators across Canada.
By contributing to the Sheila Colla Pollinator Research Conservation Fund, you will help ensure Sheila’s vision continues to shape our future of pollinator conservation for decades to come. We are so grateful.
