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Region profile

Foxe Uplands

Foxe Uplands is a region of hilly uplands and lowlands, largely composed of Canadian Shield rocks, with short cool summers, long cold winters, and discontinuous vegetation.

Zone

Arctic

Common Name

Foxe Uplands

CEC Level III Code

2.1.5

CEC Level II Code

2.1 Northern Arctic

Overview Eco Snapshot Calendar Habitat Seed Mix

Overview

About This Region

The Foxe Uplands, characterized by continuous permafrost, low biodiversity, and a high arctic ecoclimate, presents a challenging environment for pollinators. Low species diversity and the very short, cold summers limit the availability of flowers and active periods for insects. Climate change and limited habitat are significant factors affecting arctic pollinators like hoverflies, butterflies, and bees, which rely on cold-hardy vegetation. Conservation efforts focus on protecting sparse floral resources and monitoring insect populations in this remote Nunavut region.

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Region facts

At a glance

Category	Details
Aliases	Foxe Uplands
Geographic Range	The Foxe Uplands region covers areas surrounding the Foxe Basin water body, including eastern Baffin Island and the Melville Peninsula in Nunavut.
Climate Snapshot	The Foxe Uplands region experiences short cool summers (mean 0.5°C to 4.5°C) and long cold winters (mean -25°C to -26.5°C), with mean annual precipitation ranging from 100 mm to 300 mm.
Terrain Profile	The terrain consists of hilly uplands and lowlands composed of Canadian Shield rocks, rising to about 400-600 masl, with common bedrock outcroppings and thin soils, and is underlain by continuous permafrost.
Vegetation Cover	Vegetation is discontinuous and dominated by species like purple saxifrage, Dryas spp., and arctic willow on Baffin Island, while areas closer to Melville Peninsula feature dwarf birch and willow.
Wildlife Habitat	Characteristic wildlife in the Foxe Uplands includes caribou, muskox, arctic hare, arctic fox, snowy owl, polar bear, seal, and seabirds, inhabiting areas of low to medium productivity.

Eco snapshot

What shapes this region

Climate pattern

Climate pattern notes are being added.

Vegetation profile

Vegetation is discontinuous and dominated by species like purple saxifrage, Dryas spp., and arctic willow on Baffin Island, while areas closer to Melville Peninsula feature dwarf birch and willow.

Wildlife profile

Characteristic wildlife in the Foxe Uplands includes caribou, muskox, arctic hare, arctic fox, snowy owl, polar bear, seal, and seabirds, inhabiting areas of low to medium productivity.

Why pollinators matter here

Pollinator impact notes are being added.

Seasonal timing

Planting seasons

Timing varies by microclimate; use this as a flexible guide.

Seasonal timing

Seasonal timing notes are being added.

Quick seasonal checklist

Seasonal checklist notes are being added.

Yearly needs

Pollinator calendar

What pollinators need throughout the year, and what to do about it.

Season	What pollinators need most	What you can do
Late winter/early spring	Early food sources and safe shelter	Plan a pesticide-free patch in your home region; choose native plants with early bloom; leave some yard “messy” until it warms up
Spring	A ramp-up of nectar/pollen and nesting sites	Plant or pot up native flowers where you live; add bare soil and small cavities; avoid “weed-and-feed” products
Summer	Continuous bloom and water access	Keep flowers blooming in your home region (containers count); provide a shallow water source; avoid spraying for insects
Late summer/fall	Late-season nectar/pollen; places to overwinter	Add late-blooming natives where you live; leave stems/leaves for shelter; avoid fall pesticide applications
Winter or Dry Season	Undisturbed shelter	Don’t over-tidy; keep leaf litter or plant stems; plan next season’s bloom sequence

What You Can Do

Make a difference for native habitats.

Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.

Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.

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Native plants

Plants that thrive in this region

Alders

Alders are fast-growing trees in the genus Alnus that are especially useful in damp spots and along edges where you want quick cover and early-season pollen for insects.

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Asters

Asters are late-season wildflowers that bring a burst of daisy-like blooms when many gardens are winding down, making them a reliable choice for pollinator-friendly planting.

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Birches

Birches are graceful trees in the genus Betula, known for their often light-colored bark and early-season pollen and catkins that support springtime insects.

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Blueberries & huckleberries

Blueberries and huckleberries (genus Vaccinium) are berry-producing shrubs with spring flowers that can support pollinators and later feed people and wildlife—great for gardens, schoolyards, and even large containers.

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Clovers

Clovers are small, easygoing plants in the genus Trifolium that can add nectar and pollen to gardens, lawns, and pots while helping cover bare soil.

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Fireweed

Fireweed is a tough, fast-growing wildflower in the genus Chamerion that brings bright pink blooms and lots of pollinator activity to sunny, open spaces.

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Fleabanes

Fleabanes (genus Erigeron) are easygoing wildflowers with daisy-like blooms that can brighten gardens, schoolyards, and balcony pots while offering steady nectar and pollen for many small pollinators.

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Goldenrods

Goldenrods are tough, sunny wildflowers in the genus Solidago that light up late-season gardens with golden blooms and provide reliable nectar and pollen when many other flowers are fading.

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Kinnikinnick

Kinnikinnick is a tough, low-growing evergreen groundcover in the genus Arctostaphylos (often called bearberry) that forms a tidy mat and offers small spring flowers followed by red berries.

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Manzanitas

Manzanitas are tough, beautiful western shrubs with urn-shaped flowers that can feed early-season pollinators and evergreen leaves that keep gardens looking good year-round.

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Poplars, aspens & cottonwoods

Poplars, aspens, and cottonwoods (genus Populus) are fast-growing trees best known for their fluttering leaves and soft “cottony” seeds. They can support early-season pollinators with spring catkins, but they’re also big, thirsty, and often short-lived in small yards—so they’re best chosen with space and roots in mind.

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Rushes

Rushes are tough, grass-like wetland plants (genus Juncus) that thrive in damp soil and help create calm, sheltered habitat at the edges of ponds, rain gardens, and low spots.

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Sedges

Sedges (genus Carex) are grass-like plants that form tidy clumps and thrive in many garden conditions, especially where soil stays a bit damp. They add texture, cover bare ground, and can support small wildlife by providing shelter and nesting material.

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Willowherbs

Willowherbs (genus Epilobium) are easygoing wildflowers that pop up in sunny, open spots and offer simple, nectar-rich blooms that many small pollinators can use.

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Willows

Willows are fast-growing trees and shrubs in the genus Salix that offer some of the earliest pollen and nectar of the year, making them a strong choice for pollinator-friendly yards, parks, and school grounds.

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