Creating Buzz for Pollinators

It’s Pollinator Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the unsung heroes of our ecosystems: pollinators! From the tiniest bee to the most magnificent butterfly, these incredible creatures are vital to the health of our planet and the bounty of our gardens.

Take a stroll through our diverse plant collections, and you’ll notice the flurry of activity. Bees—native solitary bees, fuzzy bumblebees and the familiar honeybees—dart from blossom to blossom, their tiny bodies laden with pollen. Butterflies flit gracefully. Even hummingbirds, with their iridescent throats and rapid wingbeats, do their part, sipping nectar and transferring pollen as they go. A particularly special place to spy pollinators at York Street is the Birds and Bees Walk, which has installations that help support the diverse and eclectic habitat needs of an array of creatures. At Chatfield Farms, you’ll want to visit the butterfly house, where you can encounter native butterflies like swallowtails, monarchs, mourning cloaks and painted ladies in a lush and colorful garden.

Why are these small but mighty creatures so important? Pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat. They pollinate crops like apples, almonds, coffee and chocolate, ensuring we have a diverse and delicious diet. Beyond our plates, they are crucial for the reproduction of countless wildflowers, trees and shrubs, maintaining biodiversity and healthy habitats for all wildlife.

But pollinators are facing significant challenges, from habitat loss and pesticide use to climate change. Even small actions can have a big impact. Consider planting native plants in your own garden – these are often the best food sources for local pollinators. Reduce or eliminate pesticide use and provide a shallow water source for thirsty bees and butterflies.

Visit us throughout the month and observe these amazing creatures up close. You might even spot a new favorite pollinator you hadn't noticed before. Be sure to join us for special programming on Pollinator Day, Friday, June 27, to experience all things pollinators.

Let's celebrate our pollinators this month and work together to create a world where they can thrive.