Support and Propagation of Pollinators

The importance of pollinators in generating of our food supply is underscored by the fact that 1/3 of fruits and vegetables require pollinator interaction to produce mature flowers/seed pods/fruit.  Pollinators include birds, bats, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, small mammals, most importantly bees.  Honey Bees are only one of the many bee types which aid in pollination: paper wasps, yellow jacket carpenter bees, bumble bees, and sphecidae wasp are among those needing pollen and nectar to survive and in the process pollinate plants.  Pollinators also have a positive impact on beef, livestock, and dairy industries as they help pollinate forages and hay crops.

The recent decline in the honey bee population both in the wild and in managed hives, creates concern for naturalist, the agricultural industry and ordinary citizens.  Certain crops-such as blueberries, apples, and cherries-are 90% dependent upon honey bee pollination.

Mike and Nancy Weatherford will provide a one hour introduction to wildflowers which contribute to the natural habitat of pollinators. The workshop at the Drew County Library is scheduled for 10-11am on Saturday, October 19, 2019.  Participants will be provided wildflower seeds sufficient for a 10’x10’ plot (or equivalent 1’x100’; 2’x50’)…Pre-register at the Drew County Library by October 15, 2019 to assu