TRY THIS ONE THING: Plant Pollinator Friendly Plants!

Did you know that many pollinators are endangered?

Many animal pollinators including bees, butterflies, bats, and birds are currently at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, climate change, and agricultural pesticides. The loss of these species to the global food system would be devastating. Pollinators play a critical role in plant reproduction moving pollen from one flower to another fertilizing so that fruits and seeds are produced. At least 80% of our food crops require pollination. Without it, the entire system is in jeopardy along with many more carbon sequestering plants found in nature.

MAKE IT YOUR ONE THING:

Grow pollinator friendly plants and embrace the native plants living in your yard and neighborhood. Many of the flowering plants we consider weeds are part of the native environment and loved by pollinators. Include them in wildflower plantings and let them thrive. BONUS! These plants are adapted to the environment and don't need additional water. Additionally, you can...

• plant in clusters to create a "target" for pollinators

• plant for continuous bloom throughout the growing season

• leave areas of dead branches, logs and bare ground as nesting sites

• visit your local garden center and ask the experts how you can build your own pollinator habitat.

To learn more about this list and find more ways to support pollinators, visit The Pollinator Partnership. Give it a try and MAKE THIS YOUR ONE THING!