Summer is here, and the pollinators are working double time to keep our landscape thriving. Bats, butterflies, bugs and birds are just a few of the pollinators that are the backbone of our ecosystem. These pollinators are known as keystone species because of how significant they are to the environment. We heavily rely on pollinators to transfer pollen between plants to maintain our food supply and a healthy ecosystem. Habitat loss, invasive species, climate change and increased use of pesticides are monumental threats to these species’ populations. With that in mind, it is crucial that we work together to support these populations.
What Can We Do to Help?
To support these species, it is important to protect and replenish their habitats. Making small changes in our lives can make a huge impact for these pollinators.
- Plant a Pollinator Garden
- Planting pollinator gardens around your community provides food and habitat for these keystone species. No matter how large or small the space is, participating in this action reduces threats to their populations.
- Limit Pesticide Usage
- When pesticides are introduced into the landscape, it is hard to sustain a healthy ecosystem. To help support pollinator populations, strive to eliminate the use of pesticides in your yard. Try actions such as companion planting, mulching, hand trimming or removing pest infested plants, and watering the garden as needed rather than on a schedule.
- Provide Water and Shelter
- Providing features such as nesting boxes, bat boxes and small puddling stations in your yard to make nourishment and nesting simple!
- Share your knowledge!
- Everyone starts somewhere when it comes to learning about pollinators. Share what you know about helping these species or direct your friends and family to well informed resources to increase access to information in your community.
To celebrate our pollinators, The Woodlands Township is participating in National Pollinator Week, June 16 to 22. This week is devoted to raising awareness of pollinator populations and encouraging change to protect their species.
One of the many ways that we are raising awareness of these pollinators is by conducting a week-long virtual BioBlitz here in The Woodlands!
What is a BioBlitz?
A BioBlitz is an event of which the overall goal is to find and identify as many species as possible in an assigned area over a set amount of time. By conducting this BioBlitz, we compile a comprehensive list of the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms that occupy the space. Having this information allows us to follow population trends for all kinds of species and tells the community what areas need assistance.
A BioBlitz is not a typical scientific inventory. While a more standard scientific inventory is conducted by exclusively scientists, a BioBlitz is much more inclusive. All community members such as students, families, educators, and volunteers can collaborate and survey the organisms in their region. The BioBlitz also allows for the community to perform these counts in areas that standard scientific studies often do not get to reach. Many BioBlitzes focus on areas associated with residential and suburban spaces along with urban and industrial areas. Including these areas gives an all-encompassing view of the ecosystem, which is crucial for making informed decisions. Without knowing the biodiversity of an ecosystem, it is difficult to instill proper conservation practices.
To better track biodiversity in The Woodlands, we are having our own BioBlitz! Follow the directions below to join this educational community-wide event!
How to Join
Stay tuned for details to join each annual BioBlitz! Event details are posted on The Woodlands Township website.
