
They may be small, but pollinators are responsible for some of the most important work in our food system. Bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and even beetles help fertilize about 75% of all flowering plants on Earth. That translates to nearly one-third of our plant foods—from apples and almonds to cacao, squash, and avocados.
Food doesn’t just become scarcer without pollinators—it becomes less diverse, flavorful, and expensive. Yet their populations are shrinking fast.
Much of the focus falls on honeybees, but native bees are the real unsung heroes. In North America alone, there are 4,000 native bee species, many of which are more effective pollinators than honeybees for certain crops. For example, blueberries, peppers, and tomatoes need a special type of buzz pollination that honeybees can’t do.
Pollinators face a long list of threats: habitat destruction, pesticide exposure, invasive species, and changing climate patterns. Even well-intentioned farming practices can make things worse. Ironically, the more farmland we create, the fewer wild spaces pollinators have to thrive.
The good news is, you can make a difference right in your own backyard.
Plant native flowers that bloom from early spring through fall. Let some herbs and vegetables flower instead of pulling them. Skip the chemical sprays whenever possible, even organic ones. Leave leaf piles, rock clusters, and hollow stems in the garden to give pollinators shelter through the colder months.
If you shop at farmers markets or know your grower, ask how they support pollinators. At the grocery store, look for certifications that signal pollinator-friendly practices.
Pollinators are not just part of nature’s background but central to the food we enjoy daily. With small changes, we can help them continue to do what they do best.