Native Bees
The City is committed to providing habitat and resources for our local pollinators through the planting of key native pollinator plants and providing fun educational programs.
Did you know that there are thousands of pollinators in Canada? This includes butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, hummingbirds and over 380 species of native bees! Below are a few ways the City of St. Albert is promoting pollinators in your community.
Native bees are very different from honeybees. In fact, most native bees are solitary, meaning they live and nest alone rather than in large colonies. The only native bee that forms colonies is the bumble bee.While honeybees play an important role in agriculture, primarily pollinating large crop fields, they can create challenges for native bees in urban environments. Honeybees often outcompete native species for food, making it harder for our native pollinators to thrive. This is mainly due to the difference in scale which is significant. A single honeybee colony can grow to 50,000 bees, while a typical bumble bee colony has only about 150 worker bees. Supporting native bees helps protect biodiversity and contributes to a healthier, more balanced ecosystem in our community.
Celebrate Pollinator Week with the City of St. Albert and Alberta Native Bee Council!
Native Pollinator 101 & Walk
June 24 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A FREE family friendly event where you will discover the fascinating world of native pollinators and the important role they play in our ecosystem. Then head outdoors for a guided walk to spot them in action! Click Here to Learn More!
Build Your Own Bee Box
June 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A family friendly event where you will help support local pollinators by building your very own bumble bee box to take home. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity! Click Here to Learn More!
Coal Mine Park
Unique features of Coal Mine Park include a blend of nature right in the city, featuring a vibrant pollinator garden and a peaceful forested area to explore. Visitors can wander on the path through these spaces and experience an up-close connection. Interpretive signage throughout the park helps bring the landscape to life, highlighting the fascinating relationships between plants and animals and the important role they play in supporting biodiversity within our community.
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Last edited: June 24, 2026