Pollinators

Why Are So Many Pollinators Dying?

Animal pollination is a critical part of our world’s economy. Thirty-five percent of our food crops and 75% of our flowering plants need the presence of pollinators to thrive. This includes most fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, livestock forage, and oil crops. Pollinators contribute $24 billion to the economy in the US alone.   The trouble is many of our major pollinators are dying in large quantities.  […]

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Celebrate Pollinator Week by Creating Pollinator Habitat

The 14th annual National Pollinator Week is taking place from June 22-28, 2020. This is a chance to show appreciation and raise awareness for the pollinating species in the US. Without the presence of pollinators like bees, butterflies, birds, and even moths, farmlands would suffer from smaller yields and lower quality crops.   Inadequate pollination can affect the size and also the flavor of food crops.  And so, it’s important

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Using Butterfly Weed in Pollinator Habitat Establishment

Asclepias tuberosa, better known as butterfly weed, is a type of milkweed originating from eastern North America. Despite the name, butterfly weed is a very helpful plant, especially for pollinators. As a type of milkweed, it can play a vital role in the lifecycle of monarch butterflies.  Butterfly weed usually grows between 1 ½ feet to 3 feet tall, producing clusters of vibrant, orange flowers. These radiant flowers are known to draw in butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, bees, and more.  Butterfly weed

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Milkweed – Great for Pollinators, Essential for Monarch Butterflies

Named for the toxic milky substance that leaks out when damaged, milkweed is a perennial flowering plant with a lot to offer. Its fibers (known as floss) have been used for insulation, pillow stuffing, string, rope, and more. Meanwhile, its flowers provide a great source of nectar for a variety of pollinators.  But its most crucial role is serving as the birthing ground for monarch butterflies.  The monarch butterfly exclusively

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What Makes a Good Pollinator Mix?

When it comes to establishing CRP, purchasing the right seed mix is very important. This is especially true for pollinator habitat. Not only do you need the seed to germinate, but it needs to attract pollinators once it’s grown.  To accomplish both of these goals, you need to select a quality CRP pollinator seed mix. What makes a good pollinator

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