Pollinators are creatures that pollinate over 75% of our flowering plants and nearly 35% of the word's food crops. According the to USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service more than 3,500 species of native bees help increase crop yields. Some scientists estimate that one out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of animal pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths, birds and bats, and beetles and other insects. 

Pollinators face many challenges, and many are on the decline because of habitat loss, pesticides, disease and parasites. The iconic monarch butterfly is one such species that's in trouble.

The Illinois Chapter Monarch Team is Illinois Chapter’s contribution to the monarch/pollinator movement. Although the Monarch butterfly was chosen as the symbol of our campaign, we recognize that it is one of many insects that are in trouble from loss of habitat and pesticides. Our team mission is to:

--Support the movement across Illinois to stop the decline of Monarchs and other pollinators by supporting policies and practices designed to protect and increase habitat for monarchs and other pollinators.
--Support policies and practices that protect monarchs/pollinators from other risks, such as pesticides.

Interested in helping with this important work? Please email Terri Treacy for information about getting involved.