Pollinator Declines
There are many causes of the drastic declines in pollinator populations that we have seen in recent years. Both human managed honey bee hives and wild pollinator populations have been impacted. A few of those causes are outlined below:
Parasites and Pathogens
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Pathogens and parasites can cause major issues for pollinators, like Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), and can cause large-scale, sudden declines in populations when combined with other stressors. In North America, between 2006-2007, honeybee populations declined by one-third due to CCD, with some beekeepers reporting losses in their colonies as high as 80-100%.
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Loss of Native Habitat
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With increasing urban growth and development, and industrial agriculture, the widespread native environments that once supported a variety of pollinating insects, birds, and mammals are quickly shrinking. With fewer natural fields, forests and open spaces, pollinators have fewer food choices and habitats to nest in. City centers with concrete streets and sidewalks, surrounded by perfectly manicured parks and lawns full of pesticides leave little space for pollinators to live.
On the other hand, previous studies indicate that urban areas have the capability to be important habitats for pollinators. Therefore, if you live in an urban area, all hope is not lost. We do not need to knock down buildings to plant fields; rather, if we can incorporate pollinator habitats amongst the urban infrastructure, it is possible to simultaneously have homes for both humans and pollinators.
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Non-native, Invasive, Ornamental Plants
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Many of us enjoy the beauty of flowering plants and greenery in our backyards, community gardens, or local parks. However, not all plants provide the same benefit to pollinators. A garden could be full of beautiful, brightly colored flowering plants, but provide no benefits to pollinators. How is this possible? Native pollinators have evolved with native plants. These plants are best adapted to the local growing season, climate, and soils. Most pollinators feed on specific plant species; hummingbirds sip nectar from long, tubular honeysuckle flowers, while green sweat bees prefer more open-faced sunflowers .
Unfortunately, residential landscapes and gardens have seen an increase in abundance of non-native ornamental plants. Non-native plants may not provide pollinators with enough nectar or pollen, or may not provide any benefits at all. For example, one popular flower in gardens is hydrangeas, which are actually a sterile plant species and do not produce any nectar or pollen for pollinators. Planting invasive species can be additionally detrimental to the local ecosystem if they spread outside your garden .
To help support pollinators in your own home, it is important to learn about which plants are native and provide the best benefits to pollinators. Check out our Plant Species for Pollinator Gardens tab for more information about native pollinator plants from your area!
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Other​
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Pollution, pesticides, and landscape fragmentation are other factors known to reduce pollinator populations.
As pollinator populations decline, studies have shown parallel declines in the plants that rely upon them. If pollinator populations continue to decline, it is only a matter of time before crop production, food security and human welfare become a greater issue as well.
Our Vision
Planting For Pollinators hopes that one day soon, there will be beautiful flourishing pollinator habitat across cities around the world.
This site offers information about planting pollinator gardens, best plants to choose to support pollinators, and the importance of pollinator gardens in supporting declining bee and butterfly populations.
Share your ideas with us and follow us on Instagram & Facebook!
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How you can help:
Create Pollinator Habitat
Planting pollinator favorite flowers can not only make your home and garden more attractive, but will also be more attractive to bees and butterflies! It's a win-win. Choose from a variety of native flowers or food producing crops to suit your needs and support pollinators at the same time.
Be a Bee Advocate
Help support bee populations and allow them to recover by planting flowers they can use for food and shelter. Learn about the many bee species in your area and educate others about ways they can help!