IT’S ALL ABOUT THE POLLINATORS BABY!
Native pollinators are birds, bats, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, small mammals, and bees that have evolved over time alongside native plants. They eat nectar from plants and move pollen from plant to plant, helping them reproduce. These native pollinators may be our planet's most ecologically and economically important group of animals Most of the world's wildlife, and more than 250,000 wild flowering plants — need native pollinators to exist. Humans included! 35% of the world's food supply rely on the health of native pollinator populations, they are literally responsible for one of every three bites of food we eat! Obviously climate change is a huge threat to the complex web of life, and native pollinators are at risk…putting us all at risk! But instead of being paralyzed by fear, or feeling overwhelmed by the monstrosity of the subject, let’s take action…let’s PLANT GARDENS WITH OUR NATIVE POLLINATORS IN MIND! All plants convert carbon dioxide to oxygen above and underground, but when thinking about our environment, native plants are best because they are already adapted to the local climate and soil conditions where they occur (use less water), and they provide a gorgeous ecosystem for our native pollinators, allowing them to thrive. The national wildlife federation (NWF) has an epic website, where you can type in your zip code and learn what plants are native to your environment, you can also purchase plants from them. The Audubon society is another great resource. There are also local nurseries that specialize in native plants. I’m happy to help you find one in your area. The resources are out there, we just need to take action! I am currently planning on converting the entire front of my house to a native garden! Whose gong to join me?
PS- although raising honey bees is amazing, they can actually increase competition between native pollinators for resources, putting even more pressure on the species that are already in decline.
THERE ARE SOME SUPER COOL GUIDES IN THE LINK ABOVE!!!!
