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National Pollinators Week is Coming June 18 - June 24 What is National Pollinators Week? National Pollinators Week celebrates the insects and animals that help pollinate plants that, in turn, allow fruits, seeds, and flowers to grow.  This week long celebration will take place from June 18 - June 24, 2018. What is pollination and why is this process important? Pollination is the process in which pollen moves from one flower to another.  The pollen fertilizes the flower which is a necessary component in the creation of fruits and seeds.  Occasionally, this pollen is transferred from plant to plant due to wind and other environmental factors.  According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website , "over 75% of all flowering plants are pollinated by animals."  Butterflies, bats, birds, and other creatures transfer pollen from flower to flower unintentionally because the pollen sticks to their bodies. Bees, however, intentionally gather and deposit pollen. What a...

Take Several Green Steps to Help the Honeybees The amount of honeybees is steadily declining.  Though honeybees can often be unpleasant during spring and summer outdoor activities, especially for those who are allergic to bee stings, bees are very important to the environment. Bees are a type of pollinator; they are needed to fertilize plants that, because of this process, will eventually grow and produce food. What are easy ways to help honeybees?  Learn three tips here: 1) Forego pesticides in the garden : For gardeners or people who keep a few plants and/ or flowers outside, one way to protect the honeybee population is to stop using pesticides and chemicals when caring for plant-life.  Pesticides harm and kill honeybees.  Instead, try a natural pesticide, such as a mixture of water and salt or a garlic-onion mixture.  Spraying these natural mixtures on plants will help to repel insects but will not harm them. 2) Leave the bees alone : During the summer, it c...