Celebrate Pollinators
Many people think of bees and butterflies when they hear about pollinators, however, Nebraska has many other important pollinating insects including flies, beetles, and moths. These insects fly from flower to flower, which transfers pollen grains from the male part of the plant to the female part of the plant of the same species. This allows germination and fertilization.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 1 in 3 bites of food requires an insect or small mammal to pollinate plants for production. Some of these foods are grown in Nebraska such as apples, cherries, pumpkins, strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, grapes, and melons. Even chocolate and coffee require pollination from flies and stingless bees.
You can take part by planting pollinator-friendly gardens and installing pollinator feeders. Adding native and flowering plants that bloom from spring through fall are most beneficial for pollinators. Native plants are important to include because they have pollen and nectar sources for native pollinators. Providing habitat for pollinators also ensures that our native ecosystems will remain healthy and productive. For a list of plants for Nebraska’s pollinators visit the Nebraska Extension website.
The Central Platte NRD is provides free pollinator feeder kits to the public. These kits include a feeder, nectar, pollinator information, and educational activities. The kits are available at the NRD office located at 215 Kaufman Ave in Grand Island, NE.
To reserve your kit, contact Marcia Lee at 308-385-6282 or lee@cpnrd.org.