Wild bees are important pollinators for most wild flowering plants and many food crops we rely on, but they are facing global declines. Of the ~800 wild bee species in Canada, it’s estimated that 25% are at risk of extinction.

With the support of 26 Niagara vineyards, Colla Conservation Science Lab researchers sought to learn more about how vineyard management, soil types, and surrounding land uses affect wild bees, and how grape growers might play a role in protecting them. 

Wild Bee Conservation in Vineyards: Research & recommendations for bee-friendly grape growing is a short report outlining our research findings and the vineyard management practices grape growers can continue or adopt to help conserve wild bees.

The mix of blooming wildflowers between the rows of this Niagara vineyard provide diverse food resources for more bees of different species. Less frequent mowing allows wild plants to grow tall enough to flower, offering needed pollen and nectar to wild bees nesting in and near the vineyard.

Another way to help

Be aware that bees are likely nesting within and around your vineyard – especially if the soil is sandy – and may be more vulnerable to pesticide accumulation in soils.

Use existing tools to minimize any spray drift onto vegetation and soils to protect bees and other wild pollinators, even if you can’t see nests. They’re hard to spot!

The entrance to this green sweat bee’s nest is a very small hole in a patch of bare soil, which was, in this case, partially obscured by dried grasses. 

Thank you to NSERC, York University, The Entomological Society of Canada, The Canadian Wildlife Federation, and the American Society of Viticulture and Oenology for funding and support.