Why are
pollinators important?
Flowers make the pollen and nectar that insects
need for food. As insects travel from flower to
flower in search of food, pollen brushes off on
their bodies and is transferred from one flower to
another. This process is called pollination, and
the insects and animals who do this important job
are called pollinators.
Bees, flies, beetles, wasps, butterflies, even
hummingbirds and bats - they’re all part of
nature’s army of pollinators. Without them, about
85% of all plants would be unable to produce seeds
or fruit. In fact, pollinators are responsible for
one out of every three bites of food we eat!
Problems facing pollinators
Across the United States, and especially in New
Jersey, the increase in development has
caused a decrease in the plants and
habitat that are critical to the survival of our
pollinators. This reduction of food and habitat
has drastically reduced pollinator populations.
Widespread use of pesticides and herbicides are
also influencing this decline.
As a result, there are not enough flowering plants
for pollinators to forage from, especially in
summer and fall. That’s when pollinators
especially need our help, because that’s when they
are collecting and storing the pollen and nectar
that will get them through the winter.
How you can help
Plant a Pollinator Garden
- Landscape with “pollinator friendly” plants
that bloom throughout summer and fall.
- Plants that are native to New Jersey are the
best choice for supporting local pollinators
Limit or Eliminate Pesticides and Herbicides
- Pesticides and herbicides are extremely
harmful to pollinators, and may contribute to
Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).
Advocate for Permanent Pollinator Gardens in
Public Places
- Attend town meetings and contact your
legislators.
- Voice your opinion about the importance of
making pollinator gardens a permanent part of
our public landscape.
Supply Clean Water
- Use a birdbath, or even a shallow bowl.
- Change water often to avoid breeding
mosquitoes.
- Supply stick, corks, rocks or pebbles to
prevent your pollinators from drowning.
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