Planting for Pollinators Project
In their 1996 book, The Forgotten Pollinators, Buchmann and Nabhan estimated that animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction of 90% of flowering plants and one third of human food crops. Each of us depends on these industrious pollinators in a practical way to provide us with the wide range of foods we eat. In addition, pollinators are part of the intricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems that helps sustain our quality of life.
As gardeners we can help!! Invite pollinators to your neighborhood. Download the file below for a list of pollinator friendly plants specific to our area.
An app is available for your smart phone as well for an excellent plant reference to attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, beetles, bats and other pollinators to your neighborhood!! Go to
While on the site, check out other useful information!
This year's National Pollinator Week was
June 22 - 28
The dates for 2024 are
June 17 - 23
Bees, Birds and Butterflies Board Report
As summer is heating up, I just want to remind people that if they have hummingbird feeder to replace the nectar every 1-2 days depending on the weather. We don’t want mold growing in them. A simple recipe is 1/4 cup refined white sugar,1 cup boiling water. Do not add red dye! Mix sugar and boiling water until sugar is dissolved. Cool and fill feeder.
Bird bath water should also be refreshed often.
Monarchs have arrived at my house on May 24 and have laid many eggs on my milkweed. They are probably in the 2nd instar stage. Continue to watch your milkweed for aphid infestation. Rinse with a jet of water. We want the monarch caterpillars to have a healthy meal.
To encourage butterflies in your yard, you need to plant their host plant, plants that will support caterpillars as they grow. Lists are available online. Morton Arboretum has a great comprehensive list for Illinois.
Sincerely submitted,
Ellen Crotser
Bees, Birds and Butterflies Chairman
