Pollinators

This sign reads: ”Pollinators. Common pollinators include bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and bats.  When they visit flowers, some of the pollen sticks to their bodies. When they move to another flower,  they transfer the pollen, which fertilizes the plant and allows it to produce seeds and fruit.

Fun fact! The black swallowtail butterfly (seen from April until October) loves dill.” 

The middle of the sign features a drawing of several flowers with a bumblebee, butterfly, and  hummingbird. The bumblebee is labeled “Bumblebees are one of the few insects that can ‘buzz  pollinate’ flowers, which means they vibrate their wing muscles to release pollen from the flower. They  visit a variety of flowers and pollinate many different types of plants.” The butterfly is labeled:  “Butterflies are less efficient than bees at moving pollen between plants. They require nectar plants for  feeding and host plants for laying their eggs.” The hummingbird is labeled: “Hummingbirds play an  important role in pollination because they feed so frequently. They have long, slender beaks and tube like tongues that they use to drink nectar from trumpet shaped flowers.” 

“Learning lesson. What actions can you take to help preserve pollinator populations around the world?” 

The upper right corner of the sign has a blue box that states: “Pollinators at risk. Pollinator populations  around the world are in decline due to a number of factors including global climate change, loss of  habitat and pesticide exposure. Without pollinators, we would not have many of the fruits, vegetables,  and flowers that we rely on for food and medicine. Preserving pollinators is important to sustaining our  global food supply and ensuring a healthy future for ourselves and the planet.”  

Below this box, the sign shows a small orange box with a monarch butterfly at the top and the words  “Plant. Grow. Fly.” Sprout is registered with the Blank Park Zoo’ Plant. Grow. Fly. conservation initiative  to help protect our native pollinators. Visit their website to join the effort. 

The final section states “How you can help. Plant region-specific grasses and flowers at your home,  school, or place of work! Gardens can range from several plants in a pot to a whole backyard ecosystem!  Eliminating the use of lawn pesticides and herbicides will also help protect local pollinator populations  by providing them a safe place to live and eat.