Pollinator Plot

Animal pollinators are very important. About 80 percent of all flowering plants rely on pollinators. To help a pollinator plot was planted with a mix of native grasses and flowers that provide habitat for a wide range of animal pollinators.

Frequently Asked Questions

What animals are pollinators?

Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are some of the most popular animal pollinators. But there are so many other animals that are important pollinators too such as wasps, moths, spiders, beetles, and even some reptiles. Without bats, we would not have agave, mangoes or bananas. A special wasp called a fig wasp pollinates almost 1,000 species of figs and yucca plants depend on the yucca moth to survive.

What is pollination?

Pollinators fly from flower to flower looking for food. While they are looking, pollen gets stuck to their legs and bodies. When the pollinator flies to another plant, some of that pollen falls off on the new plant. This pollen movement from one plant to another is how plants make new seeds and is called pollination.

Why is pollination important?

More than 30 percent of crops grown in the world depend on pollinators to reproduce. Without pollinators, we would not have crops like almonds, berries, apples, pumpkins and sunflowers. In fact, 100 U.S. crops rely on pollinators.

Meat and dairy products also need pollinators. Bees pollinate the alfalfa and clover that cows, pigs and other animals eat.

How can I help?

You can do many things to make a difference and help insects, birds and bats feed or planet.  Get involved in pollinator activities where you live and teach others the importance of protecting and helping pollinators. Here are some simple things you can do.

• Plant native plants and create your own pollinator plot or garden.
• Leave plant stems, twigs and leaves where they are to provide shelter over the winter.
• Buy or build a bee hotel for another place where bees can spend the winter.
• Avoid or limit the use of chemicals in your home.