Do Something for Pollinators During National Pollinator Week, NRCS Brochure Can Help

June 19, 2007

For More Information:
Tasha Gibby, 406-587-6971

Bozeman-- June 24-30, 2007, has been designated National Pollinator Week by U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns. Celebrate by helping to improve habitat for pollinators such as insects, birds, and bats in your yard or community.

Montana Native Plants for Pollinator-Friendly Plantings has recently been published by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in partnership with the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign and the Montana State University/Missoula County Extension. This publication provides information about plant choices that benefit pollinators. It includes shrub and flower photos and describes growth habits. A handy chart also outlines bloom periods so homeowners can select plants that would provide food for pollinators for extended periods.

“Pollinators play a pivotal role in the production of about one out of every three bites of food that humans eat,” said Carrie Mosley, NRCS acting state conservationist. “They are also vital in the reproduction of about 90 percent of flowering plants and to our economy. For example, domestic honeybees pollinate an estimated $10 billion worth of crops in the U.S. each year.”

Pollinators are threatened worldwide by habitat loss, pesticides, disease, and parasites. National Pollinator Week is a perfect time to think about all that pollinators do for us and how we can help to preserve or improve pollinator habitat.

NRCS is also promoting pollinator-friendly plantings through conservation programs. For the past three years, farmers and ranchers have had the opportunity to take advantage of additional incentives offered for planting pollinator-friendly species in field borders, filter strips, pasture and hay plantings, and range plantings.

Order Montana Native Plants for Pollinator-Friendly Plantings by contacting the NRCS Public Affairs Staff at (406) 587-6971 or get it online at the Montana Native Plants for Pollinator-Friendly Plantings web page.

--end--

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."