The Canadian Wildlife Federation and its research partners (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and University of Guelph) are initiating a research project on wild insect pollinators and their habitats in Norfolk County, Ontario spring 2018.
The primary objective of the project is to investigate the effects of natural habitat, such as field margins, hedgerows, and woodlots, on the abundance and diversity of insect pollinators. Ultimately, we are aiming to determine what combination of natural habitats are most beneficial to wild pollinators. This knowledge will help farmers who produce insect-pollinated crops to understand how to influence pollination services by wild pollinators. Insect sampling would occur through malaise trapping and sweep netting.
We are looking for farmers interested in collaborating with us on this three year study. If you are a farmer in Norfolk County, and are willing to allow us to sample insects on your farm, please contact Carolyn Callaghan, Ph.D.
Senior Conservation Biologist, Terrestrial Wildlife, Canadian Wildlife Federation at 1-877-599-5777.