Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and many other flying friends are essential to the health of the world’s ecosystems as well as our own food crops. One out of three bites of food we take each day is thanks to pollinators, according to the National Park Service.
Unfortunately, pollinator populations are declining worldwide due to human-caused habitat loss and pesticide poisoning. However, there are ways that you can help pollinators thrive, even with small changes in your backyard.
- Filling your flower garden with pollinator-friendly plants that thrive in our region, like butterfly milkweed, beardtongues, or asters, can ensure they have a rich food source.
- You can also give thirsty pollinators a drink by leaving a shallow water dish on the deck or windowsill with a few stones in it for them to stand on.
- Avoid unnecessary raking of leaves so pollinators have food and shelter in the winter.
- Limit the use of pesticides, especially around flowering plants.
For more information and ways to help pollinators near you, visit nps.gov/subjects/pollinators.
Sponsored Content
