Choosing the best flowers to support native bee populations

Brenda Daly participated in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, initiated by the University of Georgia in 2019, which has expanded to include more Southeastern states. Pollinators are crucial as one-third of our food relies on them, with most fruits and vegetables needing insect pollination. While wind pollinates crops like wheat and corn, animal pollinators, including birds and bats, are essential for many plants. The economic value of pollinators is in the billions, and they play a vital role in maintaining ecosystems. The decline of the European honey bee due to colony collapse disorder highlights the need to support native bees, which are often solitary and specialized in pollinating specific plants.