Protecting Pollinators
Pollinators are vital to the health of natural food webs and the functioning of ecosystems as they transfer pollen from flower to flower, fertilizing plants and leading to the growth of fruit, vegetables and grains. Pollinators include vertebrates like birds, bats and mice and invertebrates including bees, butterflies, and wasps.
Many pollinators are in decline, threatening our ecosystems and food systems. Birds, which rely on insects and the fruits and seeds produced by pollinated plants for food, are also in decline worldwide.
What is causing the decline of pollinators?
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Habitat Loss
Our native wildlife, including insects and birds, have co-evolved with our native plants. Plants and pollinators evolved over millions of years, allowing both plants and pollinators to benefit from pollination. The plants in most urban, suburban, and agricultural areas are largely not native, including our lawns. Without native plants, our yards and parks are food deserts for our native wildlife.
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Climate Change
Some insects and birds simply cannot tolerate higher temperatures. Furthermore, as weather patterns become more extreme and average temperatures rise, plant bloom times and food production may be altered which means insects and birds may not have the resources they need at the times of year when they are needed. This can affect reproduction and cause populations to decrease.
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Chemical Exposure
Our landscapes, golf courses, and most of our agriculture depend on chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides. All of these are toxic to our pollinators, birds, and other wildlife as well as humans and our pets.
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Invasive Species
As foreign species of plants, insects, fungi, and bacteria are introduced, they interfere with the functioning of our ecosystems by pushing out native species, decreasing the availability of food resources, and introducing pathogens and parasites for which native species have no defense.
What is Audubon Doing to Protect Pollinators?
Rhode Island I is home to nearly 45 species of bee, over 400 species of moth and 59 species of butterfly! The Audubon Society of Rhode Island works at our wildlife refuges and beyond to ensure that these, and all species of Rhode Island, continue to thrive.
Our approach involves:
- Creating and enhancing pollinator habitat on our properties.
- Supporting pollinators and native plants across the state through active land management, field research, species monitoring, and advocacy.
- Educating and engaging people in learning more about pollinators and native plants through public and school programs and community science projects.
How Can YOU take action to help pollinators?
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There are so many ways you can support pollinator populations. Learn about simple actions you can take around your property to create healthier pollinator habitat and access our guide on how to create a pollinator garden, including which native plants to use.
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The Audubon Pollinator Alliance is focused on connecting neighbors and communities who have pollinator gardens to form a state-wide network that supports bees, birds, butterflies and other pollinators. Joining the Alliance allows us to utilize the information on your pollinator garden to inform decisions on policy and rally others to the cause.
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Rhode Island businesses are no longer permitted to sell pesticides containing neonicotinoids to untrained users. You can continue to support pollinators by holding accountable local businesses that sell landscaping products.
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We rely on your generous donations to expand native habitat, support pollinator health and create sustainable communities: Donate Today!
Get Inspired: Visit the Palmieri Pollinator Garden
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The Palmieri Pollinator Garden was designed to inspire homeowners to plant native perennials, trees, shrubs, and grasses that support the local ecosystem. Designed by John Gwynne in 2019, the garden was developed around the existing apple trees, and features a perennial border, a wildlife pond, and an arch of “New Dawn” roses in honor of Dr. Palmieri.
The gardens are tended to by URI Master Gardeners and Audubon staff and volunteers. Visitors are encouraged to stroll and enjoy the garden, sit on a bench below the rose-covered pergola, watch bees and butterflies alight on the blossoms, and learn about the current pollinator crisis and what they can do to help.
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Visit the Palmieri Pollinator Garden at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium! Images by Richard Staples and Casey Chan.