What is a Pollinator?

What is a Pollinator?

A pollinator is an animal that helps transfer pollen between plants. This allows fertilization, which is essential for fruit and seed production. About one-third of our food depends on pollinators. Some types of pollinators include bees, butterflies, flies, beetles, and hummingbirds. Pollinator populations are declining globally due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and urban development. 

Pollinators Need Our Help! 

One of the most important things we can do to support threatened pollinators is to create pollinator habitat, by planting a variety of native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. 

Small scale pollinator gardens, such as those found in backyards, schools, churches and businesses, can play an important role for pollinators in urban settings. If you plant it, they will come! Your pollinator garden will quickly become home to a variety of pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, beetles, and bees. 

You’ll also be helping pollinators to find the plants that are just right for them! Many native plants and pollinators have co-evolved. For example, milkweed is the only plant that Monarch caterpillars eat, so if we want to nurture Monarchs, we must plant native milkweeds.