Protecting Pollinators

Nature's Unsung Heroes Pollinators

As summer reaches its peak and plants burst into full bloom, our gardens and flower beds are abuzz with pollinators. Pollinators are the lifeline to our natural landscape and our food sources. Take a closer look at the importance of these creatures in our lives below.

WHAT IS A POLLINATOR?

Pollinators carry pollen between flowers and this movement of pollen is necessary for plants to become fertilized and produce fruits, seeds and young plants. Many insects and animals can act as pollinators–bees, wasps, moths, butterflies, birds and even small mammals, such as bats.

Some insects, such as bees, collect pollen intentionally, as a food source. Others, such as butterflies and birds collect pollen by accident, collecting and transporting it on their bodies as they are feeding on flower nectar.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that three-fourths of the world’s flower plants and about 35% of the world’s food crops depend on insect and animal pollination to reproduce. That’s one out of every three bites of food you eat.

WHY ARE POLLINATORS IMPORTANT?

Pollination is an essential ecological function. Without pollinators, the survival of our ecosystem is impossible. Of the 1,400 crop plants grown around the world, nearly 80% require pollination by insects and animals. These crops produce all of the food and plant-based industrial products. Visits from pollinators also result in more flavorful and higher-yielding crops. According to the US Forest Service, pollination of agricultural crops is valued at 10 billion dollars annually. Globally, that number scales to more than $3 trillion dollars.

• More than half of the world’s diet of fats and oils comes from animal-pollinated plants (oil palm, canola, sunflowers, etc.).

• More than 150 food crops in the U.S. depend on pollinators, including almost all fruit and grain crops.

• The USDA estimates that crops dependent on pollination are worth more than $10 billion per year.

It is also important to note that without pollinators, plants in our ecosystems would not reproduce, in turn greatly affecting our air and water qualities and rate of soil erosion.

ARE POLLINATORS IN TROUBLE?

Undeniably. Habitat loss, disease, parasites and other contaminants contribute to the decline of many species of pollinators. Simply, pollinators that can’t find the right quality or quantity of food sources do not survive. Our ecosystems don’t have enough pollinator-friendly plants to support our much-needed pollinators.

ARE THERE CITY INITIATIVES TO HELP WITH POLLINATOR CONSERVATION?

Pollinator Habitats

Westerville Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Westerville Garden Club, currently maintains approximately 5.5 acres of pollinator habitat with an additional acre added in the fall of 2023. Added locations include Highlands and Hoff Woods Parks as well as the Parks Maintenance facility. Pollinator habitats are preserved at a number of locations including Hoff Woods, Millstone Creek and Alum Creek South Parks with particularly convenient viewing at the Community Center (350 N. Cleveland Ave.) south end windows and First Responders Park parking islands.

Monarch Waystations

The City and the Westerville Garden Club worked together to design and plant two butterfly habitat demonstration gardens, also known as waystations, along the recreational trail on the south side of Polaris Parkway just east of Africa Road. All of the plants are tagged with their common and scientific names. Visit the gardens to see the butterflies in action and find pollinator-friendly plants to add to your landscape.

Forestry Program

The City’s forestry program also supports pollinators through the protection and maintenance of the community's urban forest canopy. The forest program’s goal is to maintain a 40% canopy cover across the City. This canopy cover includes blossoming trees that provide nectar and pollen and crucial habitats for maple, crabapple, linden, serviceberry, oak ninebark, pussy willow, sumac, viburnum aster, hyssop, milkweed, purple coneflower

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

There are many ways individuals can help in their own backyards. At home, consider the following:

1. Plant native plants. They are the best choice for your garden because of their abundance of pollen and nectar. They are also well adapted to the local climate, typically being more drought-tolerant and pest-resistant.

2. Plant a continuous supply of food. may be the most active season for pollinators but spring and fall are also crucial. Consider planting at least three pollinator-friendly species per season in your garden. Plant in clumps or groups for the highest impact.

3. Include plant diversity. The USDA recommends including a combination of native plant species, heirloom plants and herbs in your pollinator garden. Common herbs such as rosemary, oregano, basil, marjoram, and borage are excellent pollinator plants. Allow unharvested fruits and vegetables to bolt (go to flower) for added pollinator and beneficial insect food.

4. Reduce the use of pesticides. Most commercially available pesticides are lethal to pollinators. Choose pesticide products that have active ingredients that are the least harmful to bees and other pollinator insects. Apply them during late evening hours when pollinators are least active and prevent the wind from carrying excess pesticide to other areas. Do not treat actively blooming flowers.

5. Spread awareness. Educate your friends and family about the importance of pollinators.

Pollinator-Friendly Plants for Your Garden

Annuals: cosmos, marigold, sunflower, zinnia

Herbs: basil, borage, catmint, lavender, oregano

Trees: maple, crabapple, linden, serviceberry, oak

Shrubs: ninebark, pussy willow, sumac, viburnum

Perennials: aster, hyssop, milkweed, purple coneflower