What are pollinators?
Pollinators in Pennsylvania are the insects (and hummingbird) that visit flowers and transfer pollen from the male part of one flower to the female part of another flower of the same species. This process is vital to plant reproduction. Common insect pollinators in Pennsylvania include bees, butterflies, moths, flies, wasps, and beetles.
Why are pollinators important?
Native insect pollinators benefit both our natural ecosystems and the agricultural system in Pennsylvania. Approximately ⅓ of our food is enabled by pollinators. Pennsylvania agriculture profits by more than $250 million from crops pollinated by insects. Many specialty crops grown in Pennsylvania such as tomatoes, squash, and blueberries benefit greatly from native pollinators.
Native pollinators evolved with native plants. Many of Pennsylvania’s native plants are dependent on insect pollinators, with some bees being specialists that only visit a small number of plant species. Even our valuable black cherry tree is dependent on insect pollinators. Pennsylvania’s natural resources rely on our native pollinators.
Pollinator decline
Insect pollinators are in decline across the nation and in Pennsylvania with habitat loss being a main driver behind the decline. Thankfully, we can easily help our insect pollinators. Increasing the use of native plants that have not been treated by systemic insecticides will provide much needed food and nesting sites for our pollinators.
Our Work
Through public education, advocacy, and collaboration with partner organizations, Sierra Club Pennsylvania is working to increase protections for our pollinators and promote the use of native plants as a pathway to stem habitat loss.
- Factsheet - Conserving Pennsylvania's Pollinators
- Factsheet - Native Plants for Pollinators
- Factsheet - Pollinator and Insect Community Science Opportunities
Take Action
-- Unfortunately, there is no state agency in Pennsylvania responsible for the welfare of the pollinators. PA House Resolution 66 calls for a study to help the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) develop an insect conservation program. Let your Representative know that you want them to support HR 66!
-- PA House Bill 426 prioritizes the use of native plant landscaping around state office buildings. It is currently awaiting a vote in the House Environmental & Natural Resource Protection Committee. Ask your State Representative to support HB 426. Plus, you can get the kids involved! Download a coloring page, make it beautiful, and then mail into the office listed at the bottom of the page.
-- Connect with the Chapter Advocacy Team (C.A.T.).