Small changes can make a big difference in the lives of urban pollinators
“It doesn’t have to be that drastic,” said Jennifer Berry, research coordinator and lab manager for the University of Georgia Honey Bee Program.
“There are some very simple changes people can make to encourage and protect beneficial insects, in our cities and suburbs,” Berry said. “Many beneficial insect populations, which include pollinators such as bees and butterflies, have been drastically reduced due to the lack of habitat or killed by pesticide poisoning. Yet we can do so much better with little effort.”
One of the easiest changes and one that will also enhance the beauty of any landscape is to establish more flowering plants, shrubs and trees that are native to Georgia and the Southeast. These plants support pollinators.
Keeping a wide variety of plants in the garden not only provides pollinators with a food source, but also physically protects them during the growing season. Southern magnolias, red buds, zinnias, purple coneflower and sunflowers are just a few that attract pollinators.
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