
At IOC, we wanted to help our insect friends do their important jobs, so we came up with an idea. In 2024, we planted a pollinator garden near the entrance to the mine site. We researched which plants would provide the most benefit to local pollinators and used those. Specialized plants were grown in a greenhouse in Labrador City and transported to the garden site in late summer—including native species such as Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis). Within 20 minutes of planting, multiple bumble bees were observed actively foraging on the flowers, such as the dense blazing star (Liatris spicata).
In addition to planting the pollinator garden, we conducted surveys throughout the property to create an inventory of the pollinators found on our lands. The surveys resulted in 181 observations of active pollinators, including the yellow-banded bumble bee (Bombus terricola), which is currently designated as a species at risk. The surveys helped us understand how pollinators use our site and which species are the most abundant. This, in turn, will guide which plants we select to enhance the pollinator garden in subsequent years.
We are proud of what we have accomplished through our pollinator initiative and will work to ensure that our pollinator garden remains popular with the bumble bees and other pollinators who stop in along the way.
Bank swallowsThe bank swallow is a small migratory songbird that moves north to Canada each spring to breed and raise its young over the summer. Unlike most other songbirds, which build nests in trees, bank swallows dig nest burrows in substrates such as silty sand and other suitable materials. |
BatsWelcome to the understudied world of bats!Here at IOC, we recognize that we have a unique opportunity to contribute to the scientific study of bats, a nocturnal animal that has historically been misunderstood. |
PollinatorsThe smallest and busiest of creatures are often the most overlooked. Insects such as bumble bees, butterflies, wasps, and moths play a vital role in keeping an ecosystem in good health by pollinating flowering species so plants can reproduce. |
Grey wolvesThe Labrador grey wolf (Canis lupus labradorius) is a subspecies of grey wolf (Canis lupus) native to Labrador and Northern Quebec. |
