Did you know pollinators are a keystone species whose service is paramount to reproducing over two-thirds of the world’s crops?
They also are responsible for approximately 25% of the fruits and seeds that birds and mammals like the grizzly bear rely on.
What is disturbing is approximately 28% of North America’s bumble bees are in significant decline. 19% of butterflies are at risk for extinction.
This is the perfect example of interconnection. Without the pollinators, people and animals would not have a lot of the food we all rely on. We gain an immense benefit from the pollinators and we need to step up and help them. We no longer have the luxury to ignore what is happening outside our window. The natural world is undergoing huge changes that is already affecting us.
We can help the pollinators by;
1. Grow pollinator friendly plants. If you go to https://xerces.org/publications/plant-lists you will find a list of what type of plants to grow in all regions around North America.
2. Nesting Resources for pollinators. Did you know 70% of bees nest in the ground? Learn how you can help provide habitats for pollinators; https://xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/nesting-resources
3. Avoid pesticides in your garden. Many pesticides including herbicides and fungicides are harmful to pollinators.
4. Share this information with others to help restore pollinator populations.
To learn more, go to https://xerces.org
*Diagrams courtesy of xerces.org
