Summer is here and living is easy! I’m loving spending early mornings in the garden and evenings on the patio with long stretches of days with good books in between. Something odd happened this year, and maybe you’ve noticed it too. I haven’t seen even one bee or butterfly. No ladybugs landing on my arm, and only 1 or 2 flies annoying us when we have dinner outside. I’ve even had to hand-pollinate my zucchini this year. Where have all the pollinators gone?
What are pollinators?
Pollinators are organisms that assist in the transfer of pollen from the male structures of flowers (anthers) to the female structures (stigmas), facilitating fertilization and the production of seeds.
Examples of pollinators include insects like bees, butterflies, and beetles; birds such as hummingbirds; and even some mammals like bats. These creatures play a crucial role in ecosystems by enabling the reproduction of flowering plants, which are essential for producing fruits, seeds, and vegetables. Pollinators are vital for agricultural productivity, as they are responsible for pollinating crops that constitute a significant portion of the human diet. Additionally, they support biodiversity by helping maintain the health of plant communities, which in turn provide food and habitat for other wildlife. Without pollinators, many plant species would face challenges in reproduction, leading to reduced crop yields and disrupted ecosystems.
Where have all the pollinators gone?
Pollinators have been facing significant declines due to a combination of factors, leading to a worrying reduction in their populations globally. Habitat loss due to urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation has removed many of the natural environments that pollinators rely on for nesting and foraging. Pesticide use, particularly neonicotinoids, has been linked to adverse effects on pollinator health, causing disorientation, weakened immune systems, and death. Climate change is altering the distribution of plants and the timing of flowering, disrupting the synchrony between pollinators and their food sources. Additionally, diseases and parasites, such as the Varroa mite in honeybees, have further exacerbated declines. This combination of habitat destruction, chemical exposure, climate shifts, and biological threats has led to a significant decrease in pollinator populations, raising concerns about the future of biodiversity and food security.
What can we do to help pollinators?
One of the most effective ways individuals can support pollinators is by creating gardens that are friendly to them. This involves planting a variety of native flowering plants that bloom at different times of the year, ensuring a continuous food supply. Native plants are particularly beneficial because they have evolved alongside local pollinators and are better suited to their needs. Including a mix of flowers, shrubs, and trees can provide nectar and pollen for different types of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Avoid the use of pesticides to prevent against accidentally killing pollinators. Homeowners and gardeners can use natural pest control methods by encouraging beneficial insects that prey on pests, using physical barriers, and applying biological controls. When pesticide use is necessary, selecting products that are less toxic to pollinators and applying them during times when pollinators are not active, such as early morning or late evening, can minimize harm.
Pollinators need habitats and nesting sites to thrive. Creating habitats can involve leaving areas of the garden undisturbed, providing bare ground for ground-nesting bees, and incorporating features like bee hotels and bat houses. Planting hedgerows, wildflower meadows, and leaving dead wood in place can also offer valuable resources for various pollinators.
Climate change poses a significant threat to pollinators by altering the availability of food sources and suitable habitats. Taking action to mitigate climate change can help protect pollinator populations. This involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using energy-efficient appliances, supporting renewable energy sources, and advocating for climate-friendly policies. Planting trees and restoring natural habitats can also sequester carbon and provide additional resources for pollinators. By addressing climate change, we can create a more stable environment for pollinators and ensure their survival for future generations.
Teaching students about pollinators
A unit on pollination aligns with NGSS standards MSLS2-1 [Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem] and MSLS2-2 [Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems].
Important objectives of a pollinator unit:
- Knowledge: Students will understand the role and importance of pollinators in ecosystems and agriculture.
- Skills: Students will be able to identify different types of pollinators and describe their functions.
- Attitude: Students will appreciate the need for pollinator conservation and be motivated to take actions to support pollinator health.
Some classroom activities you can implement to teach students about pollinators:
- Graph, analyze, and explain pollinator populations and the availability of flowers as resources.
- Pollinators and the plants they pollinate are a great example of coevolution.
- Include the development of seeds in your unit on reproduction.
- Any ecosystem unit that includes food webs or food chains would benefit from a mini lesson on the role that pollinators play.
- Research a specific pollinator and create a poster explaining what people can do to help.
- Flower dissection to locate and examine anthers and stigmas.
Extension activities for a pollinator mini unit:
- Hold a bake sale/car wash to raise money to buy pollinator friendly wildflower seeds.
- Plan a field to a local botanical garden or farm to observe pollinators in action.
- Invite a local beekeeper or environmental scientist to talk about pollinator conservation.
- Start a pollinator-friendly garden in the schoolyard with the help of students.
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