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Attracting Native RI Pollinators |
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As you manage your land to attract more birds and other wildlife, whether a 50-acre farm or half-acre suburban lot, you can make small changes to attract pollinators. Amazingly, more than two thirds of the world's crops are pollinated by insects. Unfortunately, according to The Xerces Society , many native pollinators from bees, to wasps to butterflies are endangered due to many changes including pesticide use and habitat destruction. To help reverse this trend you can act locally by not using pesticides and planting native plants that support our native pollinators. With a little extra effort you can provide food and shelter for developing and adult insects. And do not forget our one species of pollinating bird, ruby-throated hummingbirds. These tiny jewels love bright flowers with nectar. Native plants include trumpet creeper, native honeysuckle (not Japanese honeysuckle!) and cardinal flower. Think red and orange! A bonus, flowers that attract hummingbirds usually attract sphinx moths, acrobatic summer garden visitors. A well-stocked garden center should carry a selection of native plants.
Want to know more about your native pollinators? Check out: Native Pollinators
For land management tips you can do at home, go to: Enhancing Nest Sites For Native Bees
The Pollinator Partnership announces "Ecoregional Planting Guides for Pollinators. "
These are practical, tools to help farmers, homeowners and public land managers plant native plants as habitat for pollinators that are well suited to the locality, or ecoregion. All you need is a zip code!
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