Nature NB is conducting field surveys in Fredericton this summer to study the native bumblebee population. Equipped with necessary tools, the group aims to create a detailed map of bumblebee habitats in New Brunswick and the Maritimes. Program coordinator Francie Morgan highlighted the significance of this initiative, emphasizing the need for baseline data to inform conservation efforts. The surveys, conducted in collaboration with various organizations, aim to support informed decision-making for pollinator protection.
The team is currently surveying three sites in different neighborhoods on Fredericton’s north side, identifying bumblebee species based on unique color patterns and body shapes. Despite being early in the season, Morgan has already identified six different bumblebee species. The collected data is shared with relevant institutes and databases for broader research purposes.
Morgan emphasized the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems, stating that protecting bumblebee habitats benefits various other creatures. Nature NB’s program aligns with the recent draft recovery strategy released by the New Brunswick government for two threatened bumblebee species. The importance of understanding bumblebee locations for effective conservation was underscored by Shaylyn Wallace from the Department of Natural Resources.
Native bumblebees play a crucial role in ecosystem stability, emphasizing the need for public support in preserving wild pollinators. Encouraging residents to let parts of their yards grow wild can significantly contribute to creating suitable foraging habitats for bumblebees and supporting biodiversity.