Three Easy Ways to Help Native Pollinators
Why we need the bees and what you can do…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact information:
Sara Magenheimer, USDA NRCS Public Information Officer: (503) 414-3250,
Sara.Magenheimer@or.usda.gov
Corvallis, March 25, 2007
—June 24 to 30 is National Pollinator Week, which means it’s time to stop and
think about what we can all do to help the native bees, wasps, butterflies, and
other beneficial insects that pollinate a variety of crops grown here in Oregon.
Nationwide, farmers and consumers have relied on imported honey bees to
pollinate billions of dollars worth of agricultural commodities. However, as
these winged workers experience declining populations, due to the mysterious
colony collapse disorder and other ailments, conservationists are looking to our
native pollinator species to keep our fruits and vegetables growing.
Conservationists with the non-profit Xerces Society and the USDA’s Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are working together to let people know
what they can do help pollinators. On Tuesday, conservationists came together at
the NRCS Plant Materials Center in Corvallis to share ways to promote pollinator
habitats.
“Native bees help produce $3 billion in crops across the U.S. each year,” said
Mace Vaughan, Xerces Society, “in order to thrive, these bees need protected
nest sites and a diverse buffet of wildflowers in bloom from early spring to
fall.” Vaughan is working with the Oregon State University and the NRCS Plant
Materials Center in Corvallis to monitor the benefits of different plants to
native pollinator species.
“We are working together to learn more about practical steps that landowners can
take to provide a continual source of nectar and forage materials for
pollinators,” said Joe Williams, NRCS Plant Materials Center Manager.
There are some simple things that people can do on the farm or in their back
yards to help native bees:
- Grow a variety of wildflowers. These provide a buffet of blooming plants
throughout the growing season. Farmers and ranchers can also plant hedgerows
or windbreaks with variety of flowering plants and shrubs.
- Carefully target, minimize or eliminate your use of pesticides. If you
use insecticides, choose ingredients for targeted pests and the least
harmful formulations, such as granules or solutions. Spray on calm, dry
evenings—and do so soon after dark, when bees are not active. Keep in mind
that even when crops are not in bloom, some of your best pollinators may be
visiting nearby flowers, and can be harmed by drifting chemicals.
- Provide nest sites for bees. Tunnels in wood and areas of semi-bare
ground are good for solitary bees; areas overgrown with grass are good for
bumble bees. For farmers, protecting nest sites may entail minimizing
tillage to protect underground nests.
For tip sheets about pollinator-friendly practices, visit
www.xerces.org
armers and ranchers can look into voluntary conservation programs with their
local NRCS office: www.or.nrcs.usda.gov
For more Information:
NRCS provides voluntary technical and financial assistance to people
interested in protecting and enhancing soil, water, and related natural
resources on non-federal lands. NRCS staffs work in every county in the state
and directly assist farmers, ranchers, and others. NRCS is an agency of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture. Local contact information is located in the telephone
book under the federal government listing or can be found online at:
www.or.nrcs.usda.gov
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