URBANA, Ill. – Full plate? Thank a pollinator. One out of every three bites of food is available because it has been crosspollinated by pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other insects.

Insect populations are declining partially due to habitat loss, but homeowners and anyone with an outdoor space can support pollinators. A University of Illinois Extension webinar dedicated to pollinators will show how planting native Midwestern flowers and trees to yards or patios this spring can attract birds, butterflies, and other insects.

“Pollinators aren’t just important for our food supply,” says Ken Johnson, Extension horticulture educator. “They’re vital for plants, with 75% of all plant species pollinated by animals like insects.”

The Good Growing Garden Day Pollinators Webinar will cover how native plants, from flowers in pots to trees in a backyard, can support Illinois pollinators. Topics include attracting hummingbirds, supporting pollinator insects, selecting wildflowers and grasses for the home landscape, and choosing native trees and shrubs.

This webinar will be 9 a.m. to noon CT Saturday, March 27. Register in advance for $5 online at go.illinois.edu/GardenDayPollinators.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in these programs, please contact Ken Johnson at kjohnso@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs. 

SOURCE: Ken Johnson, Horticulture Educator, Illinois Extension
WRITER: Emily Steele, Media Communications Coordinator, Illinois Extension

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