Continuing her series on pollinators, Cathy Isom gives us five ways to help out some magnificent creatures that are vital to our food supply. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.
Help the Bees
While we are learning more about the declining population of bees over the past few decades, we are also noticing that they aren’t the only pollinators that we depend on that are in trouble. Populations of monarch butterflies have declined by an astonishing 96-percent over the past few decades. Monarch butterflies 
help pollinate crops and wildflowers as they make their annual migration to Mexico from the U. S. and Canada. Without these two magnificent creatures, some of our favorite foods will become obsolete. Avocados, almonds, blueberries, just to name a few. Here are five ways to get involved to help the bees and monarchs, so they can help keep some of our favorite foods on our tables.
The first thing we can do is to help protect natural habitats. Become an advocate for the protection of grasslands and forests.
Support organizations involved in helping to save pollinators.
Flowers add beauty and attract pollinators to any garden. Plant a pollinator-friendly garden or window box to show your support for pollinators. Remember to bee patient. It may take time for native plants to grow and for pollinators to find your garden.
Plant a pollinator-friendly garden. In your own backyard or somewhere else, with native flowering plants, vegetables, and herbs to attract bees and monarchs. Or, support or become involved in highway habitat corridor programs, which aim to plant milkweed and nectar-producing plants along the monarch’s migratory path.
Another way to help is by supporting sustainable and organic farming methods. Whether its buying organic, or growing your own seasonal fruits and veggies. Using eco-friendly practices for fertilization and pest control.
Other impactful ways of helping our friends is to understand the impact of climate change. Become an advocate for bees and monarchs.
I’m Cathy Isom…