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Save The Planet By Adding A Pollinator Garden To Your Property!
Our planet’s pollinators are in big trouble, and we can help save them and ourselves by adding pollinator gardens to our properties!
In the past, pollinators like bees and wasps have been considered to be pests. Some people even fear them because of their ability to deliver a painful sting when disturbed. However, we rely greatly on bumble bees and other pollinators to survive and keep our planet thriving. Pollinators are extremely important because they move pollen between plants to allow for fertilization, which is essential for seed and fruit production in plants. Of the nearly 1,500 different plants that are grown worldwide for our food, beverages, spices, fibers, and medicines, almost 80% require the help of pollinators to successfully produce crops. More than half of the world’s fats and oils come from animal pollinated plants, and the USDA estimated that pollination dependent plants produced each year within the U.S. are worth more than $10 billion.
Now that you know how important pollinators are in producing the foods, materials, and medicines we need to survive, you’ll understand why it’s a problem that pollinators are now in danger of extinction. There is disturbing evidence seen worldwide that suggests pollinating insects and animals are suffering from loss of habitat, the misuse of chemicals, and the introduction of invasive plant and animal species, among other factors. Most notably, the U.S. has lost over 50% of its honey bee colonies over the last decade. Many other pollinators are federally listed species, meaning there is clear evidence of their disappearance in natural areas.
While the situation is dire, there is something you can do to help. Consider planting a pollinator garden on your property to provide resources and habitats the pollinators need to survive. Make sure to reduce or exclude pesticide use. These flower beds can be absolutely beautiful, and you’ll be helping the ecosystem and America’s food systems thrive. If you have your own vegetable garden, you’ll likely notice that the presence of pollinators will even help your personal crops thrive!
Plus, you won’t just be attracting a plethora of bumble bees or wasps to your home. You will also be providing the food and resources for other pollinating animals, including beautiful butterflies, adorable bats, and graceful hummingbirds. In order to make your garden extra appealing to pollinating animals, you can include houses for bats and native bees and mineral or salt licks for butterflies. If you are motivated to start your own pollinator garden, here are some products you can use to get started today!
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