What are pollinators?
Pollinators are primarily insects (though some mammals as well) that fertilize plants, resulting in the formation of seeds and fruit. Flowering plants rely on pollinators to make seeds for the next generation of plants.
Why do we need pollinators?
Humans depend on pollinators to produce fruit and nuts that we rely on for a healthy diety. Approximately 300,000 species of flowering plants require pollination, and 3/4 of our major global food crops depend on pollinators. Additionally, pollinators are an integral part of a healthy ecosystem and they play an important role in an array of ecosystem services.
Examples of pollinators:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Beetles
- Flies
- Some birds and bats
Want to help attract pollinators? Here are some examples of plants that bees love that you can plant:
- Lavender
- Black-eyed Susans
- Foxglove
- Crocus
On Sunday June 16 our POP Club kids will learn how pollination works and then become pollinators themselves, learn more about the POP Club here and visit us at the market to register.
The POP Club is a farmer’s market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.
Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!