In the spring of 2009, the AMCC undertook to create the first pollinator preserve in this region. The site for this project is the former dog park along the Grand River just north of the AMCC clubhouse. Most AMCC members are generally aware that this club project has significant ecological importance, but are not fully comfortable with all of the biological details. The fact that the concept has been a bit tough to grasp, however, hasn’t stopped many members from volunteering for numerous work parties. In order to follow much of what has been going on in this piece of land, though, we should all be clear on the ecological context of this project.

Let’s start by discussing what pollination actually means. It is the transfer of pollen from one flower to another flower or plant. All flowering plants must transfer pollen among flowers from different plants in order to maintain gene flow within that plant population. Even plants that are predominantly self-pollinating (such as many garden vegetables) usually cannot set fruit without this process. More precisely, during pollination, pollen grains must move from the anther (the male organ) to the stigma (the female organ).

Some plants (such as corn, ragweed and pine trees) rely on the wind to disperse their pollen. But most flowering plants have evolved a reliance on insects for this function. In return, those insects that fulfill this pollination role also rely on the pollen or nectar from the flowers on those plants for food. They are guided to these food sources by the colours and aromas we have come to appreciate in both wild and garden flowers. The most effective pollinators, bees, have evolved a complete dependence on floral products, both nectar and pollen, throughout their lives.

It is important to note here, that the native wild bees are not a significant threat to sting. Although some (mainly bumblebees) are capable of quite painful stings, they are not inclined to do so unless they are severely threatened (such as being sat upon). That does not mean that the occasional hornet nest will not turn up in the preserve just by chance. But one is much more likely to encounter such hornets around trash bins or abandoned pop cans in the city.

So why do these pollinating insects need a preserve? Unfortunately, research has shown that many of the most important pollinators, particularly bees, are threatened with extinction, or have at least been undergoing major population declines. One of the contributing factors in this decline is lack of food. Some might ask why bees are not better kept in bee hives, rather than in a pollinator preserve. Only the European honeybee can be kept in managed hives, although they too can live as feral populations. Almost all other species live exclusively in natural habitats and do not benefit from any man-made shelters. There are hundreds of bee species in Ontario, as well as numerous species of flies, beetles and butterflies that all feed on pollen or nectar. Consequently, getting to observe and know your wild pollinators can provide the same type of naturalist experience that bird watching entails. (To read more click on the Cambridge Pollinator Preserve)


Cambridge Pollinator Preserve (pdf)

Brochure (pdf)

Make a Donation (pdf)