June 19-25 is National Pollinator Week along the Great River Road, a celebration of the pollinators—birds, insects, and other animals—that are vital to the health of the Mississippi River region’s farmlands, forests, and other habitats.
Here’s some more information about pollinators and what you can do to help them in your own backyard:
What are pollinators?
Pollinators are animals that pollinate plants by transferring pollen from one plant to another. Examples include birds, bats, bees, insects, and some small mammals.
What kind of plants are helped by pollinators?
Pollinators bring us the plants that:
- Produce fruits, vegetables, and nuts
- Are responsible for half the world’s oils, fibers, and raw materials
- Prevent soil erosion
- Increase carbon sequestration
What can I do to help pollinators and celebrate Pollinator Week?
- Attend a 2023 Pollinator Week event (see listings by state here)
- Build a native bee house
- Plant a pollinator habitat (see guides here)
- Populate your garden with native plants
Where can I learn more about Pollinator Week?
Find more information about Pollinator Week 2023 here.
(Photo: Jenna Lee/Unsplash)