By Cheyenne Whisenhunt & Susie George
Did you know that more than 70 percent of species depend on pollinators for their continued existence? Pollinators such as insects, bats, birds, and other animals work year round to ensure crop production as well as optimal ecosystem functioning. However, their existence is constantly threatened through introduction of modern infrastructure without regard for essential ecosystem services such as pollination. It’s up to us to turn the tide for our pollinator friends.
What is Pollination?
Pollination is the transferal of pollen from a flower’s male anther to the female stigma in order for the flower to produce seeds. The act of pollination itself is often the result of the pollinator feeding on the pollen. Pollen grains stick to the pollinator’s body, and fall off into the flower’s stigma. This can even occur from an animal simply walking through a field, as the sticky pollen grains will attach to the fur and fall off throughout the journey. You may also be aware of excessive pollen floating in the air each spring if you are a fellow seasonal allergy sufferer.
The Importance of Pollinators
About one third of all food consumed by humans alone is produced thanks to pollinators. While this is of significant economic importance, it is arguably more important to focus on the environmental impacts, as they are directly linked to life itself. Flowering plants are necessary in our environment for many reasons, including resiliency against threats such as erosion. A strong pollinator community strengthens the population of crucial plant species that also sequester carbon and provide essential oxygen.
Threats to Pollinators
Now that we’ve covered just how essential our pollinators are, we must address the issue at hand. Pollinator populations are rapidly declining due to a number of factors such as habitat destruction, pesticide use, lack of water sources, and other environmental stressors. In reference to the bee population, this decline is commonly referred to as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), and is also a result of the modern agriculture system’s dependence on only a single species of bee for many pollination needs.
Biodiversity is rapidly declining with advancement of the modern world, which often disregards the preceding natural functions. Continued biodiversity loss weakens pollinator defenses against threats such as invasive species, parasites, diseases, and pathogens. Unfortunately, humanity has irreversibly weakened pollinator populations. However, there is now more information than ever before about how to turn the tide to ensure populous and healthy pollinators.
Take Action for our Pollinators
Thankfully, gardening for pollinators is easy! Whether you have an organic farm or a potted plant on an apartment patio, you can support our pollinators by planting food and other plants local to your area, which is especially supportive of native pollinator populations. Avoid using chemicals and pesticides at all costs, as they are generally a threat to all wildlife. Instead, seek out natural ways to fertilize your plants by searching online or asking a local nursery. Pollinators will greatly thank you for any native plants that you are able to provide!
Another aspect that is often overlooked, though crucial for a flourishing pollinator population, is access to safe drinking water. It is essential to ensure that pollinators have a water source available at all times. Without adequate access to water, pollinators easily succumb to dehydration, which leads them to become disoriented, weak, and unable to make it back to their home. Ultimately, this results in the death of many pollinators each year due to inaccessible and inadequate water sources.
Wrapped Pollinator Water Bucket
There are ways you can help ensure that pollinators have access to safe water. The Branching Together Pollinator Water Bucket is an excellent resource that allows for continuous pollinator water availability. The Pollinator Water Bucket simply requires that you fill the bucket with water, snap on the lid, and let the burlap straps do the rest by wicking up the water. The pollinators are then able to land on the pieces of burlap that project through the lid to safely access water.
This function allows for pollinators such as bees and butterflies to acquire water without the risk of drowning, making it an important pit stop that could save their life. Whether you live on a farm or in a city apartment, consider providing a safe water source for pollinators on your patio, deck, garden or other spaces, many pollinator passersby will appreciate your service!
You Can Do It!
Pollinators are the lifeline to the health and existence of all ecosystems. Without the occurrence of pollination, life as we know it would collapse. No matter how big or small your actions, do your part to support these amazing creatures through providing native plants throughout the year as well as access to safe drinking water. These small in size but large in life Earth warriors need our help now more than ever. Remember, it’s up to each of us to do our part, you can do it!
