Five Fun Ways to Help Our Pollinators!
Over the last few years, insect pollinators have made big headlines in the main-stream press. Scientists are pounding the table, warning that our pollinating species populations are trending significantly downward, and actions must be taken to save our bees and other pollinating species. Without them, the food industry will severely suffer, and we will have an even harder time than we do now feeding an increasing world population.
Both honey bees and native bees are responsible for pollinating a very large portion of our food crops. Did you know that honey bees aren't native to the United States? They were actually brought in from Europe. Surprisingly, we have well over one thousand native bee species, and these very important insects get less attention. Native bees are usually solitary and rarely sting humans. This is because they don't have the protective "hive mentality" that honey bees do.
In addition to bees, there are many other types of pollinators. Wasps, flies, moths, butterflies, and hummingbirds are all examples of common pollinators that call Minnesota home. Many of these types of pollinators are in peril as well. The Monarch Butterfly - the species that most of us were in awe of as kids, is in trouble. This amazing orange and black butterfly that makes the tremendous journey from northern latitudes to Mexico every year is now being considered for the Federal Endangered Species List. It's population is being severely impacted by habitat loss.
So what can we do on a local level to help out our pollinator friends? Here are five suggestions that will make a substantial impact on your property and in your neighborhood:
1.Plant more flowers. This is number one because it is arguably the most important thing you can do to help struggling pollinators. Many bees and butterflies can't fly very far to find food sources, which is pollen and nectar from flowers, trees, and shrubs. Many moths and butterflies rely on specific species of flowers for their larval host plants (i.e. Milkweed for Monarch caterpillars). Native bees have evolved specific traits (tongue length) to get to native plant pollen. They need those specific plants to get enough food to survive and reproduce. Plant native plants that flower at different periods throughout the season to provide ample food.
2.Pollinator houses- Bees, moths, butterflies, humans, we all need shelter! With habitat on the decline, "housing" for our native pollinators is becoming harder and harder to find. Native bees nest in ground cavities or hollowed out plant stems. A small area of bare dirt in your yard can be the perfect spot for a bee to make a nest. Leaving old stems up for bees to nest in the spring is also a great way to provide them with the shelter they need! You can buy or build a variety of boxes as well to provide habitat for native bees. Boxes can also be made for butterflies and moths to use for nesting as well. Just make sure you clean them out every fall. You can also leave dead tree stumps or large branches (called snags) in your yard for pollinator housing as well. You can also use shallow dishes or birdbaths in your yard for water sources.
3.Stay away from Neonicotinoids. These are systemic pesticides used in the nursery business and other industries to kill pest insects. This chemical can stay within plant tissues for a long period of time. Pollinators who visit treated plants for pollen and nectar can pick up this chemical and die. When purchasing plants, make sure you know where your plants are coming from and if they have been treated with neonicotinoids. Natural Shore has never and will never use neonicotinoids in any of our nursery practices. We believe that avoiding insecticides that can harm pollinators makes sense. It's better to sometimes accept a little damage on our plants, rather than using a chemical that can impact our vital insect pollinators.
4.Support pollinator legislation. Politicians don't always agree with each other, but what could be less bipartisan than protecting our pollinators? Think about sharing this story with your representatives. We need to take measurable steps forward in protecting our pollinators. Thoughtful legislation may be a reasonable avenue.
5.Educate others. Maybe your mom, siblings, or your neighbors don't know yet the peril that our pollinators face. Be an advocate for our bees and butterflies and tell your friends and family about providing habitat and food for these essential insects. Make your natural area a demonstration - a beautiful and extremely effective teaching tool.