Why are Pollinators Important?

Pollinators play a keystone role in most ecosystems and are essential for almost a third of our food production. Despite their importance, pollinators are facing serious declines worldwide due to threats such as pesticides, climate change, habitat loss, invasive diseases, and pests. Bees, one of our most important pollinators, are among the many pollinators that are struggling. In the United States there are around 4,000 native bee species, at least 23% of which are in decline.

We can help pollinators by creating and restoring pollinator habitat areas. Ideally, a pollinator habitat is located in a pesticide-free area and near a water source, that includes shelter structures, nesting materials, host plants, and a mix of blooming and nectar plants that are available year-round. The good news is most of these elements are already in your area!

Providing a diverse mix of native blooming plants, shrubs, trees and grasses is the best way to support our pollinators. Native plants are especially beneficial for pollinator habitats because they have evolved specifically to survive our California climate and better support our native pollinators. Floral diversity also supports a variety of pollinator diets and extends the window of nectar and pollen availability.

A healthy abundance of pollinators not only supports the surrounding ecosystem but provides benefits for us as well. Globally, up to 75% of all flowering plant species and 35% of all food crops rely on a pollinator for reproduction.

Want to learn more about the benefits of pollinator habitat on working lands? Check out our Pollinator Habitat Restoration on Working Lands guide. 

Working Lands for Pollinators Program

If you are a farmer or rancher in the San Diego region, you may be eligible for a free site visit to assess the quality of pollinator habitat on your working land and potentially be funded for implementing habitat enhancements. Sign up here!

 For more information, reach out to pollinators@rcdsandiego.org