Communities across Canada are reviving interest in supporting local bee populations, as evidenced by recent discussions at the Langley Township council meeting. On March 10, 2025, Bryn Jones, president of the Langley Bee Club, made a compelling case for the township to pursue the designation of Bee City, joining other municipalities like Delta and Richmond. This initiative is not just about beekeeping; it's about fostering biodiversity and reversing the alarming pollinator decline observed over the past three decades.
Jones highlighted the historical significance of beekeeping in Langley, noting, "Domesticated honeybees arrived in Langley in 1877 with Reverend Dunn," paving the way for organized beekeeping efforts as early as 1923. Today, he emphasized the urgent need for action as the health of local bee populations is increasingly jeopardized. "It's an unsustainable loss, affecting all beekeepers," he stated, referring to the significant uptick in winter hive losses, which have risen from the usual 10 to 15 percent range to nearly 30 percent across the Fraser Valley.
This downward trend can be attributed to numerous factors—including habitat destruction, invasive species, parasites, and the widespread use of pesticides. To combat these issues, Jones encouraged the township to implement simple, cost-effective measures such as planting hardy, low-lying flowering plants on road medians. These changes not only create beneficial environments for bees but also engender communal ties among residents.
The financial commitment to maintaining Bee City status is relatively minimal, at $500 per year. With this designation, Langley will have direct access to resources from Bee City Canada, including guidance on best practices for supporting pollinator habitats. Following Jones's presentation, Councillor Margaret Kunst voiced strong support for the initiative, prompting the council to unanimously approve the motion to collaborate with the Langley Bee Club.
Simultaneously, on March 12, 2025, National Plant A Flower Day took center stage across various communities, underscoring the importance of gardening for pollinator populations. This year's theme was particularly poignant, focusing on the eastern monarch butterfly, which is currently facing significant challenges due to drastic population declines.
During the 2023-2024 winter season, the eastern monarch butterfly colonies occupied only 2.2 acres of forests—a concerning 59 percent reduction from the previous year’s 5.5 acres. Jorge Rickards, general director of WWF Mexico, expressed alarm over the changing dynamics of monarch habitats worldwide, stating, "Fewer monarchs hibernation locations greatly concern all of us." Yet, hope seemed to blossom with the release of new data: as of March 6, 2025, the butterfly's wintering population had nearly doubled, occupying 4.42 acres. While it’s encouraging news, the butterflies’ thickness remains far from historical averages of nearly 45 acres as recorded during the winter of 1996-1997.
With spring around the corner, gardening enthusiasts are encouraged to plant native wildflowers and other bee-friendly flora. Not only do these contributions support local pollinators like bees and butterflies, but they also play a role in restoring natural ecosystems. Those without the luxury of a backyard can still contribute by planting flowers in pots or community spaces. Deborah Seiler from the Xerces Society for the Conservation of Pollinators stated, "Most of the country falls within the migratory pattern range for monarchs, making this effort accessible to everyone."
Residents can engage with local and national guidelines on creating pollinator gardens. The Nature Conservancy recommends starting with milkweed and native flower varieties, creating delicious habitats for pollinators. Planting flowers such as scorpion-tail and seaside goldenrod ensures year-round availability of nectar, supporting the life cycles of butterflies as they navigate their migratory pathways.
This coincidental timing of garden planting initiatives and the push for Langley to become recognized as a Bee City demonstrates the growing awareness of the importance of bees and butterflies within environmental discussions. It offers communities opportunities to get directly involved with habitats and ecosystems, presenting educational moments for children and adults alike.
Mayor of Langley fully supports initiatives like those pitched by Jones, stressing the importance of local action to conserve biodiversity, which has far-reaching impacts on health, agriculture, and tourism. The buzz surrounding these events is only likely to grow as interest flourishes around conservation efforts and sustainable gardening practices take root.
Both grassroots efforts, like those of the Langley Bee Club, and larger national initiatives, such as National Plant A Flower Day, play pivotal roles in advocating for increased support for pollinator protection. This comprehensive grassroots approach can significantly contribute to restoring populations of pollinators, fostering healthier ecosystems, and ensuring future generations enjoy the rich diversity of wildlife.