During the winter gardeners check catalogs and online sites to find the seeds that will fill their gardens this year. The new hybrids and bright colors can be very attractive, but for those concerned about protecting pollinators the process can be a little more complex. Planning this winter should include finding sources of native plants and studying how to manage the habitat that will provide food and cover for native bees and other creatures that play critical roles in our native ecosystems. In some cases, the challenge will be to figure out what not to do, like waiting to mow your lawn or avoiding using any chemicals in your backyard that can disrupt or harm these important pollinators.
Diverse creatures that pollinate flowers provide an essential service for humans, birds and animals. Their work produces an estimated 35 % of the fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts grown worldwide. Butterflies, native and domestic bees, wasps and even bats are the essential workers of nature doing tasks that cannot easily be reproduced in their absence. Unfortunately, many pollinators, including the majestic Monarch butterfly, are at risk due to a loss of habitat, indiscriminate use of pesticides and climate disruption. Recent legislation in Michigan proposes to remove milkweed, which is a critical food for Monarch caterpillars, from the noxious weed listing to give these beautiful insects a greater chance of surviving.
Michiganders in cities, suburbs and rural areas can all play a role in helping pollinators thrive. Many resources are available as groups and individuals are working to convert backyards and public spaces into pollinator havens. Organizations, educational institutions and public agencies provide information, training and in some cases supplies to help interested people help these hard-working creatures thrive. Find out more from the wide array of sources below.
Michigan State University Pollinator Champions program. This self-paced online program provides a wealth of information about pollinators and participants can qualify to become an MSU Certified Pollinator Champion.
Sierra Club volunteers in the Grand Rapids area have worked with local agencies other organization to promote pollinator education online and at events. Find resources on the Sierra Club Greater Grand Rapids Facebook page. In Ann Arbor a resolution was enacted in April 2023 to encourage property owners to support pollinators, building on the work of Sierra Club volunteers and others who have promoted pollinator habitat for years as discussed in this video.
Detroit Bird City, a project of Detroit Audubon, is an excellent example of reclaiming and restoring native habitat in urban areas, bringing back pollinators as well as birds.
Chapters of the Wild Ones around Michigan are great sources for information and support for those seeking to learn more about bringing native plants to their homes and supporting pollinators. Grand Rapids is here: https://rivercitygrandrapids.wildones.org/ and Lansing here: http://wildoneslansing.weebly.com/
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides guidance in “How to Build a Pollinator Garden” and has many related articles available online. Specific information about efforts to protect the Monarch butterfly, which has not been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act even though the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined the protection is warranted, is found here.
For farmers, bee keepers and pesticide applicators, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is overseeing a Managed Pollinator Protection Plan designed to improve and protect the health of pollinators in their vital role of fertilizing fruits and vegetables.
Sierra Club’s Food and Agriculture Team provides tips regarding providing habitat for pollinators here.
The University of Minnesota Bee Lab https://beelab.umn.edu provides a number of tips for making yards and lawns more bee friendly, including a video about “the hottest lawn styles of 2022.”
Helping support pollinators can also mean putting up “bee hotels” for native bees. Information for building these delightful looking homes for solitary bees as well as an explanation of the life cycle of many of these bees is found in a bulletin from Michigan State University here.
The best part of taking time during the dreary winter months to plan how you are going to help provide for pollinators in your yard or neighborhood is dreaming of enjoying the wonderful sights, sounds and smells these creatures will bring to life in the coming year.