Establishing the Bee-Friendly Pollinator Garden
by Stephanie Ho Lem, Promoting Living Green
Crescent Road is often a “go to” hangout for late night parties, causing disturbances for local residents. In one area, after numerous complaints, former Councillor Farrell in 2017 removed four parking stalls at the corner of 1 St NW and Crescent Road for disruptive activities. Cement planters were installed to restrict vehicle access, and Jenna Cross, the City’s Park ecologist, provided native plants from her garden, her expertise, and necessary budgeted supplies. Alongside resident volunteer Mike Macdonald, the planters were filled with pollinator-friendly plants. In addition to the seven original planters, the Parks donated six more, which were also filled with pollinator-friendly flowering plants. The flourishing pollinator garden now attracts bees, offering them a sanctuary to rest, feed, and refuel. By supporting bees, the garden contributes to biodiversity to conserve pollinators and to help keep their lifecycle going.
The Importance of Bees
Bees are integral to pollinating fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts that form the core of our diet—honeybees are crucial contributors to agriculture. While honeybees are known for producing honey and beeswax, 90% of native bees live solitary lives. Native bees do not form colonies, build hives, or make honey or wax. Around 70% nest underground, with the remainder nesting in wood cavities or hollow stems, spending much of their lives hibernating in their nests.
Challenges Facing Bee Populations
Bee populations are declining globally due to:
• Habitat loss from land development, increased use of pesticides, and invasive species
• Intensive farming practices and changing weather patterns
• Excessive use of agrochemicals and air pollution, which interferes with bees’ ability to locate food sources. Air pollution is particularly problematic because it disrupts the scent trails bees rely on, making pollination less effective.
Supporting Pollinators
Creating pollinator-friendly gardens is one of the most effective ways to support bee populations. This involves planting a variety of native species that provide nectar and pollen, which are well-suited to local climates and the needs of pollinators. Blooming trees are especially beneficial. Even small-scale efforts—such as container gardens on balconies or patios—can make a difference, and many pollinator-friendly plants are well-suited to container growth.
The United Nations recognizes the importance of bees, declaring May 20 as World Bee Day. Pollinator Week was recently observed from June 16 to 22, 2025. The Crescent Road Pollinator Garden has received recognition, including a feature in the November 2023 Canadian Geographic magazine. Since 2022, the City has hosted educational booths at the pollinator garden each September, raising awareness about the importance of bees and offering free wildflower seed packets.
Modern Threats to Pollinators
As urbanization and pollution increase, pollinators are under greater threat. Bees are particularly sensitive to pesticides, which are used not only in agriculture but also in residential areas, parks, golf courses, and public spaces. Habitat destruction from expanding agriculture and urban development further limits bees’ natural food sources and nesting sites. Climate change exacerbates these challenges by altering weather patterns and affecting the availability of plants and water.
The Role of Habitat
Loss of habitat is a leading cause of bee decline. When native vegetation is replaced with lawns, non-native gardens, or industrial crops, bees lose essential resources. Native plants are vital, as many bee species have coevolved to rely specifically on them.
Solitary bees, which make up 75% of the world’s 20,000+ bee species, are especially vulnerable. With foraging ranges of only 300 meters or less, they depend on nearby food and shelter. Organizations like The Bee Conservancy address these challenges through diverse habitat strategies and educational outreach.
Additional Threats
Other significant threats to bees include:
• Expansive lawns and widespread use of non-native plants, which reduce biodiversity
• Climate change, leading to warmer temperatures, unpredictable frosts, and droughts, all affecting bee abundance and plant life cycles
• Chemical pesticides, which can poison pollinators, especially when used during crop blooming periods
• Invasive plant species, which can outcompete native flora, reducing food availability for bees
• Diseases and parasites, such as Varroa mites and German yellow jackets, which weaken or prey on bee populations
Save and Protect the Bees
The Crescent Road Pollinator Garden serves as a sanctuary for bees, filled with pollinator-friendly flowers that support their survival and, by extension, our food systems. This area is a community success story where residents come together to work with City Parks to establish a notable bee friendly pollinator garden.
Calgary was recognized as Canada’s 36th Bee City in December 2019, reflecting the city’s commitment to pollinator protection.
The City will host another educational booth on September 11 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm at the bee-friendly Pollinator Garden. It’s an opportunity to learn more about pollinators and get your free wildflower seed packet.
Please note: The above content is for informational purposes only.
Sources: Bee City, The Bee Conservatory, Pollinator Partnership Canada
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