Support Pollinators
Pollinators like bees, butterflies, & hummingbirds fly from plant to plant in the search for protein-rich pollen or high-energy nectar to eat. As they go, pollen from one plant sticks to their legs, wings, and hairs and they move it to the next flower. This fertilizes the plant, allowing it to reproduce and form seeds, berries, fruits, and other foods that form the foundation of the food chain for other species—including humans.
Pollinators pollinate more than 1200 crops add 217 billion dollars to the global economy clean the air stabilize the soil support other wildlife
Bees populations are in decline around the world. In the U.S. some species are now endangered. Their decline has come from habitat destruction, disease, pesticide use, invasive species, & climate change.
Celebrate Bees!
While bees are the most well-known pollinators, butterflies play an important role too. They aren’t as efficient as bees, but they can travel much farther, thus pollinating a larger area. Butterflies find their nectar by being able to see ultraviolet light which makes flower markings very distinct to them.
Celebrate butterflies!
Hummingbirds are amazingly adapted to be pollinators. They have long, skinny bills and tube-like tongues that they use to drink nectar from flowers. They drink nectar to get the energy they need to fuel their high metabolism. Hummingbirds drink up to two times their body weight per day. As they move from plant to plant, they carry pollen and spread it around.
Celebrate hummingbirds!
Ways You Can Help Pollinators
Adopt a Monarch
You can symbolically adopt a monarch butterfly with the National Wildlife Foundation. Your money will go to support their work to protect and restore monarchs and their habitat.
Grow a Wildlife Garden
If you have space at home to plant a garden, think about choosing some native plants that will attract pollinators. Check out this handy list of Pollinator-friendly plants from Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: click here!
Give Bees a Nesting Place
There are about 4,000 bee species native to North America and most of those don’t actually form hives. Instead, they lay their eggs in tunnels in decaying wood or in sandy soil.
Don’t Mow as Often
Smithsonian gardening buffs suggest that mowing every two to three weeks will keep your grass tidy while still allowing pollinators enough time to capitalize on any flowering plants that may crop up before they disappear.
Avoid Pesticides
Spraying pesticides may seem like a quick and easy fix to the bug problem in your yard or garden, but they are very detrimental to the health of pollinators and the surrounding area. Bees pick up the harmful substances and bring them back to their homes. Instead, Smithsonian garden buffs suggest introducing other insects, natural enemies like ladybugs, praying mantises, parasitic wasps and predatory mites.
Provide a Water Source
If you’re able, you may want to consider adding a water feature to your garden or yard. A small fountain, pond, or bird bath will help all kinds of wildlife that may come to your yard. Bees use water to regulate the humidity in their colonies and butterflies and birds need access to water too!