Welcome to VIPPB
VIPPB aims to increase knowledge and appreciation for beneficial insects, including pollinators!
What We Do
We monitor for pests on farms throughout Vancouver Island, and turn that data into a biweekly newsletter, keeping growers informed about current pests.
We collect observations of beneficial insects (and pests too) made by farmers and gardeners through our iNaturalist project.
We provide on-farm workshops in pest monitoring methods to equip growers to monitor and manage their own pests.
Read the report from 2021 HERE
Newsletter
Up to date info on current pestsResources for recognizing and managing pests
Resources for attracting and recognizing beneficial insects
Upcoming events
Invasive pest alerts
iNaturalist Project
Take a photo of an insect from your farm or garden, and upload it to the project to get an ID suggestion. Look at other growers' observations to see what beneficial insects may occur near you!
Check out the project here
Pollinators in Vancouver Island Agriculture Project
VIPPB has collected pollinator samples from 19 different farms, over two years. We are currently working on finding funding to create a checklist of native bees that occur in Vancouver Island Ag from those samples. We are currently supported by a grant from the Coombs Farmers' Institute. Want to help fund this work? Contact Bonnie @ Bonniesbugsipm@gmail.com
Who We Are
Bonnie Zand
VIPPB Project Lead, Owner of Bonnie's Bugs IPMBonnie has been helping Vancouver Island growers with their integrated pest management for 10+ years. She works in vegetable and berry crops, providing pest monitoring services and IPM plans. She is interested in all insects, and particularly native bees. Bonnie is a board member of the Native Bee Society of BC, an instructor with the Master Melittologist program, and works on the recovery of the Taylor's Checkerspot Butterfly.
Contact Bonnie: Bonnie@vifarmmonitoring.com
Natasha Tymo
Crop ScoutNatasha works for Bonnie's Bugs IPM and VIPPB as a field scout. She was co-owner of The Birds and the Beans Farm, and when not checking out insect pests she also works on a variety of Vancouver Island farms.
