The Importance of Pollinators
From the Bee City Committee
More than 80 percent of the world’s flowering plants need pollinators to reproduce. We also need pollinators to produce our food, including fruits, vegetables, chocolate, coffee, nuts, and spices. Pollinators play a key role in regulating ecosystem services supporting food production, habitats, and natural resources. Pollinators are also a key part of the food web. Insects, like moths, feed on more than 80 percent of birds in the U.S., as well as reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Plus, pollinators contribute to healthy soils and clean water by fostering healthy plant communities.
Pollinators are embedded in local cultures and traditions. They provide resources for the creation of musical instruments and arts and crafts, and give inspiration to art, music, literature, religions, traditions, technology and education.
Unfortunately, the populations of bees and many other pollinator species have dropped alarmingly across North America. The monarch butterfly is one example; the number of these orange and black butterflies, prominent for their extraordinary annual migrations, has fallen from one billion to only 34 million in the past 25 years. The loss of pollinators is likely due to dwindling habitat, diseases, parasites, and environmental contaminants. In recent decades, climate change has altered the range, abundance, and seasonal activities of some pollinator species. Humans have altered the natural landscape for development and agriculture, reducing the natural habitat of wild pollinator species. At the same time, environmental pollution has degraded the natural habitats. Habitat destruction, fragmentation and ruin often reduce pollinators’ food and nesting resources. In addition, large-scale transport of managed European honey bees has facilitated transmission of parasites and pathogens to native pollinators.
Private landowners are stepping up to protect pollinators, mainly through sustainable agricultural practices that encourage healthy habitat for wildlife. An ongoing way to enjoy pollinators and all the work they do is to plant a pollinator-friendly garden. Just like everything else, pollinators need food, water and shelter to survive. You can help provide these essentials by planting a wide variety of plants that bloom from early spring into late fall. Be thoughtful when planting and remember that clumps of plants will be easier for pollinators to find than single plants. Focus your plant choice on native and non-invasive species. Hybrid species should be avoided because they often lack the nectar, pollen, and fragrance that a natural flower would have. If you like seeing beautiful butterflies, consider adding the plants that caterpillars need as well. Remember that providing a home for caterpillars means having plants that will be eaten. Keep this in mind and place caterpillar host plants accordingly so they are not too visually prominent. While some of these host plants may be less beautiful, they will provide an essential habitat and allow you to watch the butterfly lifecycle right in your own yard!