From the Inbox - Pollinators are on the decline - help them today!

Dear Friend, Next time you walk into your grocery store, take a look around. See the rows of neatly stacked cucumbers, the barrel full of almonds, the shelf piled high with perfect apples? What you might not know is that without humble pollinators — like bees, hummingbirds and butterflies — those same shelves might only have a handful of small and withered crops, and some would be completely empty. And sadly, since pollinators are on the decline worldwide, this scenario might not be far off. Pollinators need friends like you to help them survive! That’s why when my coworkers at National Wildlife Federation asked me to talk to you about the importance of pollinators, I jumped at the chance. I was introduced to the basics of beekeeping forty years ago by my grandfather. Back then bees were robust, plentiful and tough enough to survive even an inexperienced beekeeper like me. But nowadays, honey bees and other pollinators face many threats, including viruses and diseases that can wipe out entire colonies. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help! Turning your yard into an environment in which pollinators can visit and thrive. It’s easy! Here are just a few ideas to help protect our pollinating friends Plant native flowering trees and plants to attract bees Provide a water source, such as a bird bath, to give bees a place to relax and have a drink Leave dead trees and brush where they are to provide a natural home for bees, birds and all kinds of wildlife — even their young! To me, bees and other pollinators are so important because they help the earth to be rich and colorful, fertile and diverse -- and they're really fun to watch! Sincerely, David Ruckman NWF Online Systems Director and Resident Bee Keeper