It's POLLINATOR WEEK!!! Time to Celebrate!

June 16 through June 22 is National Pollinator Week, which was initiated and is managed by the Pollinator Partnership."Seven years ago the U.S. Senate’s unanimous approval and designation of a week in June as “National Pollinator Week” marked a necessary step toward addressing the urgent issue of declining pollinator populations.  Pollinator Week has now grown to be an international celebration of the valuable ecosystem services provided by bees, birds, butterflies, bats and beetles. The growing concern for pollinators is a sign of progress, but it is vital that we continue to maximize our collective effort.  The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture signs the proclamation every year." from http://pollinator.org/pollinator_week_2014.htm . Check out their website for more great information!

Most people think about insects like bees and butterflies when they talk about pollinators, but birds, bats and other small animals are also responsible for the fertilization of flowering plants. National forests and the nations grasslands need pollinators to thrive. Pollinators promote ecological stability and biodiversity in many ecosystems. Some pollinators are in severe decline across the planet. Colony Collapse Disorder is wiping out millions of honeybees each year.

Bats are suffering as well, and over 6 million have perished in the past five years because of a fungus! This is not good news, as these animals are not only important pollinators, they are indicator species, and they may be indicating to us that something is not quite right in the environment. You can thank insect pollinators for most of the food you eat. Honeybees get most of the credit here, as they are responsible for pollinating 70 of the 100 crops that provide 90% of the world's food. Honeybees annual contribution to the US economy is over 15 billion dollars!

Even animal products like meat, cheese, and dairy products need pollinators in order to make its way to your table. It's true! Cows eat flowering plants that require bee pollination. Therefore, if you eat fruits, veggies, beef, or dairy products like milk and cheese, you can thank the pollinators of the planet. Coffee and chocolate also require pollination- so we really, really should make sure we do not loose these invaluable species! Imagine a world without chocolate!

Want to learn more about pollinators?  Click here for fast facts .

You can go to this website for detailed information about honeybees.

Want to help pollinators? Click here for ways to help pollinators around your home and garden. 

Here is a great booklet that tells you how to attract pollinators to your garden.