Thank you Missouri Governor, Michael Parson, for proclaiming June 19th - 25th as Pollinator Week! Click here for the official proclamation.
This week we celebrate the support of all pollinators around the globe. Without pollinators, we would be missing 1 out of every 3 bites of food we eat. Pollinators provide their pollination services to over 180,000 different plants as well as 1,200 crops. They are directly contributing to our food supply as well as supporting a healthier ecosystem.
Beyond bees, pollinators come in various species such as butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, ants, small mammals like bats, and birds such as hummingbirds. They visit flowers to drink nectar or feed off the pollen. When they move from flower to flower, they transport pollen to other flowers. Without sufficient pollination, flowering plants couldn’t produce enough seeds or develop adequate fruits and vegetables for production.
We understand that pollinator populations are in decline due to habitat loss, misuse of chemicals, disease, and climatic changes. We are learning ways to help. Such as farmers are producing more crop yield by turning portions of their fields into green spaces filled with native plants. Suburbs and cities also add natural flower plots in parks and other underutilized city spaces. The city of Joplin is part of this movement. These actions provide much-needed habitats for pollinators.
Individually, we can also help slow their decline by making room for pollinators on our properties by planting native plants in our flowerbeds or converting grassy areas to pollinator plots. Each of our pollinator gardens will interconnect with others, creating a web of restored balance in our ecosystem. Drawing pollinators to your yard can bring joy, interest, and beauty too.
Let’s celebrate, protect, spread the word, and help these very important creatures that help us!
For more information on pollinators, Missouri native plants, garden enhancements, and landscape ideas, visit:
https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/mdc-encourages-missourians-bee-friend-pollinators-spring
https://mdc.mo.gov/your-property/improve-your-property/wildlife-management/pollinators
By: Amera Wild, a member of the Missouri Master Naturalist, Chert Glades Chapter, and Missouri Stream Team.
Photo Contributions: Amera Wild