Discover the Vital World of Pollinators

 At the heart of nature's symphony lies the humble bee. These tiny creatures work tirelessly, transferring pollen between flowers, igniting the vibrant cycle of life that sustains our planet's incredible diversity of plants and fruits. Pollinators, from bees to butterflies, hold the key to over 85% of all flowering plants and 67% of our agricultural crops, making them indispensable keystones in every ecosystem.

While the honey bee often steals the spotlight, introduced from Europe to the United States, the real stars are the over 20,000 species of bees worldwide, with around 3,600 native to the U.S. These wild bees lead vastly different lives from their domesticated cousins. Many are solitary, with a single female taking on the monumental task of nest-building, pollen and nectar collection, and egg-laying. Unlike the honey bee's aboveground hives, more than two-thirds of wild bees make their homes underground, hidden from plain sight. Some burrow deep, laying eggs several feet beneath the earth's surface, while others craft nests near the soil or within hollowed plant stems.

Yet, bees are not alone in their pollinating prowess. Butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, wasps, and hummingbirds all play crucial roles in this delicate dance of fertilization.

Despite their importance, up to 40% of pollinator species worldwide face the looming threat of extinction. From habitat loss to pesticide exposure, diseases, pathogens, and the overarching challenge of climate change, these invaluable creatures are in peril. The recent years have seen a surge of national and international efforts to reverse the decline of our essential pollinators.

Join us in our mission to protect and celebrate these unsung heroes of nature. Together, we can ensure a thriving future for our pollinators and the ecosystems they support.