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Pollinators Flourish
You may already be aware that pollinators are important to everyone on the planet. But did you know that one in every three bites of food is made possible by native pollinators?
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ollinators such as bees, butterflies, flies, bats and hummingbirds transfer pollen between flowers and other plants, helping them grow and produce the fruit and vegetables we all eat - and that our beloved pets eat. Because pollinators help grow the pumpkins, apples and cranberries used to make Beyond, a sustainability-minded natural pet food, the team has collaborated with The Nature Conservancy to initiate Project Blossom, with the mission of helping protect the declining population of pollinators. Purina’s Beyond has donated $100,000 to The Nature Conservancy to help its mission to support a healthy planet, to protect pollinators. “The Nature Conservancy works around the globe to protect pollinators from challenges such as the loss and degradation of habitat, climate change and more,” said Chris Helzer, director of science for the Nature Conservancy in Nebraska. “By
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partnering with Beyond and being a part of Project Blossom, we are advancing our work to support a healthy planet for pollinators and all the other species we rely on for a healthy ecosystem.”
How You Can Help Here are some simple things you can do to help pollinators thrive. They are fun, easy, and educational projects you can enjoy with the whole family, especially while you’re spending more time at home and in your own yard and garden.
1. Learn Kids find pollinators fascinating, and there’s a lot to learn about what they do for our ecosystem. Visit The Nature Conservancy website as a starting point to discover more about how pollinators work. Check out other websites, books or local outdoor gardens to explore native plants and pollinators that live in your area. Make a list, map and/or photo project
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to describe what kinds of pollinators help which plants grow in your region. Seek out resources to learn more about different types of pollinators and the threats they face. For example, when most people talk about bees, they assume honeybee, but there are more than 5,000 species of bees found in North America alone that need our support.
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2. Plant Once you’ve identified regional plants, flowers, and shrubs that pollinators love, decide which ones to add to your outdoor space. Involve the whole family in growing a variety of pollinator-friendly plants outside your home. Avoid using pesticides in your yard or garden and learn which ones are least likely to affect bees and pollinators. If you have limited outdoor space, use a small raised garden bed or a planter on your deck, balcony, or patio. Set up a pollinator window box.
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