Pollinator Health

The image shows bumblebees pollinating woollypod milkweed flowers.
Crotch bumblebees, a candidate for listing under the California Endangered Species Act, pollinating woollypod milkweed. Photo courtesy of MC Moazed.

We need pollinators…and they need us!

Pollinators play a keystone role in most ecosystems and are essential for almost a third of our food production. A healthy abundance and diversity 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.

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. The United States is home to around 4,000 native bee species, and San Diego County is home to an estimated 650 species of native bees of all shapes, colors, and sizes. Sadly, at least 23% of all bees in North America are in decline. 

 

How to help pollinators

One of the best ways to support struggling pollinators is to create and restore healthy pollinator habitat.   

Ideally, a pollinator habitat:

  • Avoids the use of pesticides, especially neonicotinoids.
  • Includes a nearby pollinator-friendly water source
  • Provides host plants and flowering plants that are native to our region with a variety of blooming periods to provide pollen and nectar to pollinators as a year-round food souce
  • Provides nesting sites to support pollinators throughout their life cycle

To learn more about creating pollinator habitat, click here.

If you would like to make a donation to our pollinator programs, click here.

If you have questions about pollinators or would like to get involved with any of our programs, email us at: pollinators@rcdsandiego.org.

 

A monarch butterfly rests on purple flowers, with a bicycle and house in the background.
Monarch Butterfly
A bee pollinates a white flower amidst pink buds and green leaves, showcasing nature's beauty and biodiversity.
A close-up of a bee collecting nectar from vibrant yellow flowers in a natural setting.
Western Honey Bee (this species was introduced to California in the 1950's and is not native to the Americas)
A striped caterpillar on a green leaf, featuring black and yellow bands, likely preparing for metamorphosis.
Monarch Caterpillar
A small butterfly rests on green leaves, surrounded by a natural garden setting.
Marine blue butterfly, courtesy of MC Moazed
A butterfly perched on purple flowers, capturing a moment of nature's beauty in a serene environment.
Monarch butterfly (female), courtesy of MC Moazed
The image shows bumblebees pollinating woollypod milkweed flowers.
Crotch's Bumblebees (special status species) on woollypod milkweed, courtesy of MC Moazed
A close-up of a yellow flower with a bee sitting on its center, held in a person's hand against a blurred background.
Longhorn bee on sunflower (Helianthus annuus), courtesy of MC Moazed
A view of green foliage against a clear blue sky, featuring distinct leaf shapes and a few scattered clouds.
Leafcutter bee sign, courtesy of MC Moazed
A caterpillar hangs from a plant leaf, showcasing its striking yellow and black striped pattern.
Monarch caterpillar on narrowleaf milkweed, courtesy of MC Moazed
A butterfly rests on pink flowers among green foliage, showcasing a blend of nature's beauty.
Blue butterfly on San Diego pea, courtesy of MC Moazed
A monarch butterfly rests on purple flowers, with a bicycle and house in the background.
A bee pollinates a white flower amidst pink buds and green leaves, showcasing nature's beauty and biodiversity.
A close-up of a bee collecting nectar from vibrant yellow flowers in a natural setting.
A striped caterpillar on a green leaf, featuring black and yellow bands, likely preparing for metamorphosis.
A small butterfly rests on green leaves, surrounded by a natural garden setting.
A butterfly perched on purple flowers, capturing a moment of nature's beauty in a serene environment.
The image shows bumblebees pollinating woollypod milkweed flowers.
A close-up of a yellow flower with a bee sitting on its center, held in a person's hand against a blurred background.
A view of green foliage against a clear blue sky, featuring distinct leaf shapes and a few scattered clouds.
A caterpillar hangs from a plant leaf, showcasing its striking yellow and black striped pattern.
A butterfly rests on pink flowers among green foliage, showcasing a blend of nature's beauty.

 

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