Top 5 ways to make a difference during Pollinator Week

Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are vital to our ecosystems and food supply—but they’re facing serious challenges. 

This Pollinator Week – June 16 to 22 – is your chance to take action and help protect nature’s essential service providers right here in Surrey. 

Whether you have a garden, a balcony, or just a patch of green space, here are five impactful ways you can support pollinators and biodiversity in your community: 

Plant native plants 

^{Pollinator garden beds at Clayton Community Centre}

Native plants are the backbone of a healthy pollinator habitat. They provide the nectar, pollen and shelter that local species have evolved to rely on. Try to avoid “cultivars” of native plants. These are nursery grown versions that don’t have the same pollen or nectar values or have colors, leaf shapes and flower sizes that local pollinators may recognize. To create a pollinator’s paradise, choose plants like woolly sunflowers, western yarrow, nodding onion as well as non-invasive, ornamental varieties such as lavender, salvia and bee balm. 

For a list of native plants, visit the Native Plants page and our Biodiversity Design Guidelines plant list.  

Practice water-wise gardening 

^{Bumblebees on Goldenrod at Clayton Park}

Pollinators need healthy plants, and healthy plants need smart watering. Use leaf litter, water early or late in the day, and group plants with similar water needs to conserve water and keep your garden thriving. 

Visit the Water-Wise Lawns and Gardens page to learn how to create one, and enter our photo contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Entries must be received by August 31, 2025. 

Remove invasive plants 

^{Edgewood Park pollinator meadow}

Invasive species like English ivy and Lamium (yellow archangel) crowd out native plants and reduce habitat quality. Removing them helps native plants—and pollinators—reclaim their space. 

Visit the Invasive Plants page to find out what you can do to help identify and control invasive species in Surrey including volunteering for upcoming Surrey Nature Work Parties to help remove invasive species in our parks.  

Plant trees on your property 

^{Pollinator median planting at 108th Ave and Whalley Blvd}

Trees provide food, nesting sites, and shelter for pollinators. Fruiting trees like apple, pear and cherry provide food for people and pollinators alike. 

Take advantage of Surrey’s upcoming Tree Sales in August and September to purchase a tree to plant at home. 

Become part of Surrey’s community science movement 

^{Painted lady butterfly on Douglas aster}

Join Surrey’s iNaturalist community and help track pollinator populations and contribute to biodiversity monitoring in the City. It’s a fun and educational way to make a difference. Visit the Community Science page to learn more. 

Pollinator Week is a great reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting biodiversity. Whether you’re planting a single flower or transforming your whole yard, your efforts matter.  

Learn more about the actions Surrey is taking to conserve pollinators.