The Pollinators Project

The Pollinators Project

The world’s pollinators are in rapid decline

Why It Matters

Across the world, pollinators are in trouble – and New Jersey is no exception. Their importance to our daily lives cannot be overstated. From the clothes we wear, the food we eat, the beverages we drink, to the habitats that surround us – we all depend on pollinators. CWF is working to preserve our wild native species through native plantings, while also encouraging everyone to play a role in ensuring pollinating species continue to thrive here in New Jersey.

Insect pollinators include bees, pollen wasps, ants, flies, moths, beetles, and butterflies. There are over 100,000 species of invertebrate pollinators worldwide. Birds and bats are the most common vertebrae pollinators, though lemurs, monkeys, lizards, and possums are also known to pollinate. Pollinators can either be wild or managed, such as the European Honeybee managed by beekeepers.

Though pollinators are often small enough to overlook, they play a huge role in plant reproduction. Pollinators instinctually visit flowers in search of food. As they feast on pollen or nectar, pollinators often brush against the flower’s reproductive parts and unknowingly deposit pollen from previously visited plants. Plants then use this deposited pollen to produce a fruit or seed. Since three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants and 35 percent of the world’s food crop depend on pollinators to reproduce, it is essential for pollinators to thrive.

The world’s pollinators are in rapid decline. The combination of habitat loss and degradation, global climate change, expansive pesticide use, and disease has resulted in significant pollinator population losses. In 2012, it is reported that 31% of American honeybees died in one winter. Monarch butterflies are similarly under threat, with a 90% decline over the past 20 years.

There are several known causes for population declines. Firstly, the widespread use of a pesticide called neonicotinoids has been killing significant numbers of pollinators, though most notably honeybees. The insecticide was designed to kill agricultural pests like sucking insects, some chewing insects, soil insects, and fleas on domestic animals. Despite its agricultural purpose, the pesticide is largely utilized by homeowners and landscapers in products like Ortho Flower, Aloft, Arena, Transect, Knockout Ready-To-Use, and Flagship. In 2013, it was discovered that neonicotinoids disrupt bees’ immune systems, making them susceptible to viral infections.

Likewise, climate change has disrupted the feeding, mating, and migration patterns of many pollinators. Changes to temperature have threatened pollination timing, as warmer weather alters plant blooms. It has also altered reproduction timing, with evidence showing decreased success rates.

Conservation Efforts

Conserve Wildlife Foundation biologists and educators are helping ensure pollinators have a place in our rapidly changing New Jersey environment. Pollinators are vital to a thriving economy, agriculture industry, human health, and working food webs in our natural ecology. Without pollinators, the world as we know it simply could not exist.

SUBPAGES:
1. Corporate Habitat Enhancement Projects
2. More Information
a. Key Species
b. Benefits of Pollinators
3. Educational Resources
a. Lesson Plans
4. Ways you can help
a. DYI garden plan
b. Purchases: Seeds, Wildflower Guide, Wildlife Houses (bee/bat/bird)

Partners

With the generous support of partners like Atlantic City Electric, GZA, Firmenich, and local landowners, CWF has partnered on pollinator projects in New Jersey, from outreach and education to building and restoring pollinator gardens at schools, homes, and businesses.