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Two, four, six, eight, who do we appreciate? Pollinators! Should cheering not be your preference, there are many other ways to celebrate National Pollinator Month right now.
Pollinators deposit pollen on flowers while visiting from one to another searching for food. These creatures are pollination aides, playing an indispensable role in the reproduction of many plants. If the image of a bee has been conjured, great, however, please do allow room for other pollinators! Butterflies, moths, beetles, wasps, and hummingbirds, also play this essential role in pollination, drawn to sweet nectar and flashy flowers.
One, two, three. We are counting again because approximately one out of every three bites of the food we eat is of an item that depends on these pollinators. Their populations have been facing challenges. Among them are disease, parasites, environmental contaminants like air pollutants and pesticides, and habitat loss. In fact, Pollinator Week, June 19-25, is emphasizing climate and pollinators.
Native pollinators like native plants. Planting natives will not only be a productive way to celebrate this month, but also support these declining pollinator populations. Given the diversity of pollinators, consider diversity in plant selection. Different colors, shapes, sizes, and growth habits would be optimal. Native grass options include muhly grass Muhlenbergia capillaris, while native shrub options include buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis. Milkweeds, host plant for monarch butterfly larvae, the clasping coneflower Dracopis amplexicaulis, and our state wildflower, the Louisiana iris, may draw both pollinator and human interest. Be mindful of bloom periods and conditions for growth, such as drainage.
Acadia Parish was once part of a prairie ecosystem of over two million acres. Little more than three thousand of these acres remains as such. If you seek inspiration for your native pollinator garden, however, prairie reconstruction sites exist, including on LSU Eunice’s campus.
Use a megaphone or post on social media. Create a native garden or pot a native plant. Reduce your use of pesticides or eliminate. Perhaps you want to joyously march in a bee suit next week! If you are uncertain of your ability to make an impact, then more counting is in order. Five, seven, nine, ten, support pollinators? Yes, you can!Article for publication June 16, 2023
