Colla Conservation Science Lab

 

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

We use a variety of methods to understand how bumblebees move on landscapes, what they require for forage, nesting and overwintering habitat and how their life history traits make them vulnerable to environmental stressors.

Public Education

We frequently give public talks, webinars, bee walks and set up bee information tables. Topics include bee identification, how you can help conserve native bees, and learning about BumbleBeeWatch.

Collaboration

We work with numerous Environmental NGOs, government agencies and other organizations to extend our research findings into the real world.

Interdisciplinary Approach

We are working to understand how human perception has influenced pollinator conservation policy and looking to see where stakeholder collaboration can be best achieved to conserve biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Ways to Help

 

SHARE BUMBLE BEE SIGHTINGS. Conservation Scientists rely on data collected by community scientists. If you spend time outdoors and tend to have your phone or camera handy, you can submit bumble bee sightings at BumbleBeeWatch.org.

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GROW HABITAT. Native pollinators need native plants. If there’s land you steward, learn about the native pollinators in your area and the important plants they’ve co-evolved with.

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ADVOCATE FOR A POLLINATOR PLAN. The majority of Canadians want wild pollinators protected, and a national pollinator conservation plan can help. Let government representatives know this is important.

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resources

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.

 

Click Here

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 →