ATTRACTING AND PROTECTING POLLINATORS
Untidy spring lawns, pesky flies, stinging bees—who needs them? It seems like we do, if we like to eat! These creatures, along with bats, butterflies, moths, birds and other animals assist in fertilizing plants that produce food we like to eat. (Examples are apples, berries of all kinds, melons, peaches almonds, bananas, vanilla, coffee and chocolate to name a few.) About 90% of the world’s flowering plants and 75% of the world’s crops depend upon the work of pollinators. Pollinators also help provide plant-based oils, plant- based medicines and dyes, and add color, beauty and bird song to our natural environment. However, these valuable pollinators are in trouble and need our assistance to survive and thrive. Why are they in trouble and what can we do to help? (That untidy lawn is a clue).
One of the main reasons why pollinators are declining is that their habitats and food supplies are shrinking. Development of land continues non-stop; monoculture crops cover large swaths of land, and plots of undeveloped prairie land are limited and fragmented. Think of the Monarch Butterfly trying to find nourishment on its migration trail—and failing. No wonder these iconic pollinators are finding it hard to survive. Pesticide use is also affecting the health of these pollinators. Some chemicals like the neonics (if they don’t kill them right away) severely damage their immune system making them weak and susceptible to natural pathogens, parasites and predators. Beekeepers have lost at least 30% of their colonies every year since 2006. Climate change is also affecting pollinators. Increasingly, there is a disconnect between the timing of plant growth and need for fertilization and the life cycles of the pollinators. These pollinators are also affected by severe storms, droughts, floods and fires. The changing weather also increases the number of invasive plants challenging the ecosystem in certain areas.
What can be done? Of course, there is always room for better protections and public policies and thinking out of the box (for example the idea found in Green American Magazine—to plant wildflowers among the solar arrays.) However, individuals can help the pollinators thrive too. Here are some suggestions:
· Discover which plants are native to your area and will attract pollinators (different pollinators prefer different plants).
· Think in terms of diversity of color, width and height. Get plants that will provide pollinator food during each season of the year. Discover which plant attracts which pollinator. Plant in clumps of one kind—they support one another—but aim for allover diversity.
· Eliminate the use of pesticides in your garden.
· If you need help, contact the Douglas County Extension Office and they will put you in touch with a Master Gardener.
· Build or buy bat houses. Bats are pollinators and they eat tons of mosquitoes too. Build or buy bird houses, feeders and provide a source of fresh water. Be sure to change water frequently to avoid mosquitos breeding. Different birds will need different shapes and sizes for their homes.
· Turn off outdoor lights as much as possible for night flying pollinators. Put a ribbon or dot on a wide window to prevent birds from crashing into them.
· Delay mowing your spring lawn to give pollinators a good start after the winter. Consider adding more flowering plants and decreasing lawn space in your yard.
· Search the internet and library to find more resources. The sources listed include children’s educational information, blogs and downloadable guides.
Share your information with others. Let’s do our part in helping pollinators do theirs. Next time you eat an apple, think of those industrious pollinators.
EARTH STEWARD ACTION: Plan on adding some native pollinator-attracting plants in your yard this spring.
SOURCES:
https://www.usda.gov/peoples-garden/pollinators
https://www.usda.gov/pollinators
https://www.fws.gov/story/how-build-pollinator-garden
https://www.nps.gov/articles/pollinator.htm
