Bats, bees, birds, and butterflies – the importance of pollinators

Wherever flowering plants flourish, pollinating bees, birds, butterflies, bats and other animals are hard at work. About three-fourths of all native plants in the world require pollination by an animal, most often an insect, and usually a native bee. Most bees live underground. Pollinators and the indispensible service of pollination they provide are at risk from habitat loss and pesticide use.

“Pollinators are responsible for one in every three bites of food you take.”  USGS

There are over 20,000 known bee species in the world, and 4,000 of them are native to the United States. Native bees were here long before European honeybees were brought to the country by settlers (honeybees are not native to North America). Source

Ditch the Chemicals and Shrink Your Lawn with native plant species

Planting native species in our yards creates important food and rest for bees, butterflies, birds, and bats. Discontinuing or reducing pesticide / herbicide use is also important for protecting pollinators.

MidMichigan Environmental Action Council works with municipalities, schools, and neighborhoods to create new pollinator habitat in our urban landscape. We’ve planted thousands of native plants in the local landscape, creating pollinator pathways throughout our region.

Project Partners from MSU Extension helped us develop the following short list of front-yard-friendly native species. Get these natives delivered to your door – support MidMEAC and the National Wildlife Federation – order from Gardens for Wildlife here

	Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) H: 1ft – 2.5ft.
	Sand Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolota) H: 1ft – 2ft.
	Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida) H: 2ft – 3ft
	Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) H: 2.5ft – 5.0ft
	Bee Balm (Monardo bradburia) H: 1ft – 2ft
	Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Fulgida) H: 2ft – 3ft
	Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) H: 1.5 ft – 3ft

Download Native Plant List PollinatorShortList

Trees For Pollinators (List) – Michigan Beekeepers Association

Lights Out For Pollinators – DarkSky

The Essential Role of Pollinators

Pollinators like bees and butterflies are essential to production of at least 30% of human-cultivated crops (our food) and 90% of wild plants (food for all), yet populations of these pollinator species are in serious decline.

Building Your Own Pollinator Protection Zone

Chemical Use. Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides in your yard. Avoid pesticides containing neonicotinoid compounds. Learn more from the Xerxes Society about chemical use and the way chemicals move through our community.

Plant Choices. Luckily, some of our favorite flowering plants are also favored by pollinators. A short list includes Lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), and Oxeye sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides). When buying plants, look for sources that are neonicotinoid-free.

Resources available from BeeCityUSA

Let us know if you want to be involved in our community programs to increase pollinator habitat! Contact us