Get the Buzz on National Pollinator Week

It is National Pollinator Week! Every year people across the country recognize the importance of pollinators and encourage others to support their conservation. Pollinators come in all forms including birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and other small mammals. These fauna pollinate plants by spreading pollen and helping plants reproduce and produce fruits, and they are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food! This year the emphasis is on the affects of climate change and pollinator decline. Pollinators are being negatively affected as their food sources and habitats are declining, diseases are increasing, and rising temperatures and natural disasters are affecting their ability to survive. Climate change is driving these conditions, but the conservation of pollinators and their habitats can help to combat climate change by supporting healthy ecosystems, air, soil, water, and plants.
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So how can you help?

• Plant flowers! Planting native flowers with bloom times spanning over the season helps provide food and habitat for pollinators
• Eliminate use of chemicals on your lawn.  IF you must use a pesticide, follow the label directions precisely and never apply close to a rainfall
• Leave natural areas on your property and do not mow down wildflowers
• Add cover and water sources on your property to enhance habitat
• Share what you know about the importance of pollinators with a friend or neighbor!

​Learn more about National Pollinator Week at www.pollinator.org/pollinator-week