Tonight, like most nights, Chris, my husband, made us a delicious dinner. A fresh salad and chicken quesadillas were enjoyed by my daughter, my son and me. Strawberry Baked Alaska, compliments of my daughter, Sarah were served for dessert. This morning we enjoyed coffee and fresh baked blueberry muffins for breakfast. While we all appreciate each other’s time and talents in the kitchen, none of it would be possible if not for the bees and other pollinators. The tomatoes, blueberries, strawberries, cucumbers, green peppers, jalapeños and even the coffee that nourish our bodies were only harvested after pollinating insects helped to produce them. These insects help the pollen from the male portion of the plant to travel to the female portion of the plant. This fertilization often results in edible fruits and vegetables.
It is estimated that 1/3 of the food supply in the United States is directly dependent upon pollination. The work of pollinators is not only vital to our health but also to our economy. The work of pollinators contributes over 15 billion dollars to the United States economy annually. Environmental benefits that pollinators provide include clean air, reducing soil erosion and purifying water. Simply put, without bees and other pollinators our existence would change dramatically.
Although bees are the most well-known types of pollinators lots of other insects and even some mammals assist in pollination. Butterflies, ants, beetles, flies, wasps and bats all perform pollination to a certain extent. The population of bees is in decline. From April 2020 to April 2021, beekeepers reported a loss of 45% in their colonies. This loss has been ongoing for the past 20 years and is thought to be related to loss of habitat, pesticide use, disease, climate change in addition to several other key factors.
National Pollinator Week takes place each June. It was started about 14 years ago by the Pollinator Partnership in celebration and recognition of the importance of pollinators to our society. This was done to try to counteract the declining pollinator population. It has grown into a celebration that encompasses activities throughout the world.
In celebration of National Pollinator Week this column will delve into tangible ways that we can assist the pollinator population and in turn ensure that we can all keep enjoying our favorite foods.
Creating a pollinator friendly area around your home is the first step in helping pollinators sustain their population. Here is a list of 5 items that can be easily implemented.
Hang a hummingbird feeder filled with artificial nectar enjoyed by both hummingbirds and bees. A mixture of 4 parts water to one part sugar is a good food source for hummingbirds and pollinators. Make sure to clean the feeder every few days.
Decrease or eliminate the use of pesticides and insecticides. Many pesticides and insecticides have the potential to harm pollinators. Please read the label carefully and when possible use the least toxic plant care product necessary. There are many organic pesticide options which are better for not only pollinators but also our environment.
Consider planting perennial flowers that are native to our area. Native plants are often gorgeous and very low maintenance. Native plants provide a food source for native pollinators.
Plant a few milkweed seeds or plants. Milkweed (Asclepias) is needed to provide food for Monarch Butterfly Larvae. Without the precious food provided by milkweed Monarch caterpillars are not able to grow into Monarch butterflies.
Include groups various perennial flowers in your planting beds that bloom from spring through fall. This provides a readily available food source for our pollinators throughout the growing season.
Ready to do your part in sustaining our ecosystem and economy by helping pollinators? Check out the website www.pollinator.org This website contains lists of bee friendly programs, planting guides, recipe cards, cute gardening t shirts and many other resources.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene. com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
