Celebrate National Pollinator Week!
![Celebrate National Pollinator Week! Celebrate National Pollinator Week!](https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/blt09e5e63517a16184/bltafc06db067aebac6/64cbf83cdb0bcc7a8de33eaa/NewHopeNetwork_Horizontal_RGB.png?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale)
Pollination is a critical stage in the life cycle of all flowering plants. Pollen must be moved within a flower, or carried from one flower to another of the same species, in order for fertilization to occur. This pollen transfer is essential for a healthy and productive ecosystem—both native and agricultural.
Most of us are aware of the declining honeybee population and the threat it poses to our food future—but what’s causing it? For years, scientists have suspected that a specific class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids is the key driver of massive colony collapse disorder (CCD). In a new study conducted by Harvard University, all six hives treated with neonicotinoids failed to make it through the winter, vanishing and leaving behind empty colonies, whereas the six pesticide-free hives remained intact. Image: Valengilda/iStock/Thinkstock
The Saving America’s Pollinators Act, introduced in 2013, is designed to suspend the use of neonicotinoid pesticides until a full review of the current scientific evidence—and a field test—indicates they are safe. Unfortunately, the Act has been languishing in committee since last August. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been dragging its feet on the issue, ignoring the mounting evidence and delaying action until 2018. The bees can’t wait. Tell Congress to stand up for pollinators by contacting your representative today. Image: Copyright Mark Wilson, Getty Images
Telling Congress is a big step, but what can you do on your own to help create a pollinator-friendly habitat? Simple: plant native flowering plants that provide local bees, birds, and butterflies with pollen, nectar, and homes. Download the National Pollinator Week Garden Guide for information on what to plant in your area. Image: AlexRaths/iStock/Thinkstock
Once you've done your part to introduce native flowering plants, eliminate your pesticide use and declare your yard, park, garden, or other green space a pollinator-friendly zone by signing the Pesticide-Free Declaration. Read the Declaration here and sign it at BeyondPesticides.org. Image: Olivier Le Moal/iStock/Thinkstock
Educate your friends, neighbors, schools, and community groups about the importance of pollinators. How? Maybe host a dinner or a cook-off featuring food from pollinators. Screen the films More than Honey (2012) or Vanishing of the Bees (2009) at your home. Another easy way you can create awareness is by buying (and wearing) a Bee the Change t-shirt from HoneyColony. A portion of the money raised from HoneyColony's t-shirt sales will go to The Pollination Project, a non-profit that gives $1,000 per day in grants to projects that change the world.
Anyone can get involved with National Pollinator Week. People and organizations all across the country have planned Pollinator Week events in their local community, from garden tours and special menus to competitions and parties. Find an event in your area today by using Pollinator.org’s Event Map. Tweet: Celebrate National #PollinatorWeek with @newhope360
Anyone can get involved with National Pollinator Week. People and organizations all across the country have planned Pollinator Week events in their local community, from garden tours and special menus to competitions and parties. Find an event in your area today by using Pollinator.org’s Event Map. Tweet: Celebrate National #PollinatorWeek with @newhope360
Bees, birds, butterflies, beetles, and even bats are all keystone species that form the center of a critical ecosystem: pollination. An estimated 1/3 of all foods and beverages we consume—and nearly $20 billion worth of products annually—depend on pollinators. These species also support terrestrial wildlife, provide healthy watersheds, and perform dozens of other essential roles in maintaining our delicate ecosystem.
National Pollinator Week is the perfect time to celebrate and spread awareness about these valuable species, and to take action to save them. Check out and share the latest news, facts, and events happening in your area, to help raise awareness among consumers about how crucial pollinators are to our food system.
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