Buzzing with Fun: Celebrate Science Saturday with Optima Academy Online and Our Pollinators 

Why Pollinators are the MVPs of the Plant World 

Imagine a world without plump blueberries, crunchy carrots, or vibrant wildflowers. Yikes! That’s what could happen if pollinators disappeared. These tiny troopers are responsible for transferring pollen between flowers, allowing plants to make fruits, vegetables, and seeds. In fact, about one out of every three bites of food we eat depends on pollinators – that’s a big deal! 

With the rise of technology, one might assume that an advancement in farming could replace pollinator’s vital function. However, pollinators are incredibly efficient. Replacing them with human labor for hand-pollination would be extremely time-consuming and costly. Furthermore, some crops require very specific pollination methods that insects perform naturally. Replicating these techniques artificially would be complex and expensive. In fact, this article by Forbes estimates the global value of pollination services at $235 to $577 billion annually. 

Pollinators in Peril:  

Unfortunately, many pollinator populations are declining. Habitat loss, pesticide use, and global climate trends are all making it harder for them to find food and safe places to live. Keep reading for some reasons behind pollinator decline.  

• Habitat Loss: Natural landscapes teeming with diverse flowering plants are being replaced by development (homes, shopping centers, roads), intensive agriculture (large fields of single crops), and manicured lawns. This reduces the variety and availability of food sources (pollen and nectar) for pollinators. It also eliminates nesting sites for ground-dwelling bees and butterflies that rely on specific vegetation for shelter and egg-laying. Fragmented habitat, where remaining wild areas are isolated by development, makes it harder for pollinators to find suitable resources and travel between them. 

• Pesticide Use: Modern agriculture relies heavily on pesticides to control pest insects. Unfortunately, these chemicals often harm beneficial insects as well, including pollinators. Pesticides can be directly toxic, killing pollinators on contact or through ingestion. They can also sub-lethally impact their health, making them weaker, less resistant to disease, and less effective at foraging. 

• Global Climate Trends: Global climate trends are disrupting weather patterns, leading to more extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and heat waves. These can destroy pollinator habitat and disrupt flowering cycles, making it difficult for them to find food at the right time. Rising temperatures can also push some pollinator species outside their preferred range, forcing them to migrate or face population decline. 
• Other Factors: In addition to the major threats above, other contributors to pollinator decline include:

• • Disease and Parasites: The spread of diseases and parasites can weaken pollinator populations and make them   more susceptible to other threats.
  • Light Pollution: Artificial lights at night can disorient pollinators, making it harder for them to navigate and find food and mates. 

The combination of these factors creates a complex web of challenges for pollinators. But don’t despair! There’s still hope. By working together, we can create a world where pollinators can flourish. 

Fun Activities for the Whole Family to Help our Pollinators Thrive! 

There are many ways you and your family can help pollinators. Here are a few ideas: 

• Plant a pollinator garden! Choose native wildflowers that bloom throughout the season to provide a constant food source.
• Skip the harsh chemicals. Opt for natural pesticides or beneficial insects to control pests in your garden.
• Provide a pollinator pit stop! Fill a shallow dish with water and add a few rocks for perching so pollinators can cool off and have a drink. 

Instructions: 

1. Soak the recycled paper in water for several hours.
2. Drain the water and blend the paper into a pulp.
3. Add a generous amount of wildflower seeds to the pulp and mix well.
4. Pour the pulpy mixture into a shallow dish lined with a felt or fabric scrap (optional: this helps catch the paper fibers). If you are using an old picture frame, remove frame backing and pour mixture directly on the inside of the glass. Ensure the mixture covers the dish or glass but keep thin layers for faster drying time.
5. Let the paper dry completely, then carefully peel it off the dish or glass. 

Now for the fun part!

Use your pollinator paper for birthday cards, thank you notes, or gift wrap. When you’re done, tear the paper into small pieces and scatter them on bare soil in a sunny spot. With a little water and sunshine, your very own wildflower meadow will soon be abuzz with pollinators! 

By learning about pollinators and taking action to help them, we can ensure a future filled with vibrant flowers, delicious food, and a healthy planet for all. So get outside, plant some flowers, make some pollinator paper, and celebrate the incredible world of pollinators!