Protect Pollinators

In this article, I would like to talk about the benefits of pollinators and how to help protect them. "Pollinator" is anything that promotes the pollination of plants, which is how flowering plants reproduce and spread. Most commonly, the term is aimed at insects and birds, but many things can be pollinators. Dogs, cats, and even people can be pollinators. All of these organisms promote pollination by spreading plant pollen around to different locations. Insects and birds can pollinate when they drink nectar, get pollen on their bodies, and then move on to the next flower. The anatomy of the flowers themselves encourage this. We can pollinate unintentionally when we walk around outside and brush up against different plants or drive our cars across different habitats without washing them. This is also how invasive species get spread around.

Native pollinators are very important to a healthy ecosystem. Pollination is necessary for the reproduction of flowering plants. Flowering plants are not just pretty; they are also responsible for many medicines, food for wildlife, and the majority of the world's crops. Without pollinators, we lose a huge, healthy food source. But, due to habitat loss and pesticide use, pollinator populations are declining.

But helping pollinators is fun and easy! All you need are pretty flowers! Making a pollinator garden invites butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to your yard and gives them a safe food source and living space. You could also have host plants for caterpillars, which is a great way to watch the caterpillar to butterfly life cycle. Making a pollinator garden is easy. First, you need a section of outdoor garden space, then you need to plant native flowers popular with the locals. Native plants are familiar with your habitat and weather, so they require very little maintenance! Plant the flowers, and the pollinators will come! Bonus points for adding a bird feeder and bird house. With enough planning and preparation, it is even possible to replace traditional turf grass lawns with "wildflower meadows". These large wildflower plantings eliminate the need for irrigation, provide habitat for pollinators, and showcase a beautiful and colorful natural landscape.

Xerces Society is an amazing organization that provides resources for those wanting to help pollinators. They have lists, by region, of the best plants to add to your garden. You can also take their Pollinator Protection Pledge and register your garden with the National Pollinator Garden Network. They helped me get started with my butterfly milkweed garden.

Please consider making a pollinator garden in your yard. It is a lot of fun watching the butterflies come by, plus the flowers are very beautiful. Even a few container plants will help if you do not have much room. There are many resources online and it is great way to help the environment!