Southern Ontario is one of the most critical regions in Canada in terms of wildlife-human conflict. It has one of the highest proportions of species at-risk but also dense human population and agricultural productivity. The project, in collaboration with Nature Conservancy of Canada, conducted research on whether habitat for at-risk pollinators can be adequately incorporated onto private farmland using methods from natural and social sciences. It also sought to determine whether farmers experience a perceived and/or actual financial benefit from this habitat in the form of increased ecosystem services (e.g. pollination, pest control, water conservation). Through community-based management with local landowners, a long-term suitable habitat using wildlife corridors for at-risk and economically important pollinators in areas was created. Funding: MITACS Accelerate $45,000.

Researcher: Sheila Colla (PI) and Rachel Nalepa (Postdoctoral Visitor)

Project Theme: Resource Management