Celebrate National Pollinator Week!

By Cristian Acosta, Agriculture Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County.

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June 17 to 23 is National Pollinator Week, a time to recognize the vital role that pollinators play in our ecosystems, agriculture, and even our backyards.

Pollinators like bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and even some beetles and flies are responsible for fertilizing over 75% of flowering plants and more than one-third of the crops we eat. Here in the Southern Tier of New York, pollinators are essential to growing apples, blueberries, pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, and much more. Unfortunately, pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, disease, and climate change. But the good news is that you can make a difference, right at home. How to do it? Apply these tips to your garden or back/front yard:

How to Attract Pollinators:

• Plant native flowers like milkweed, bee balm, black-eyed Susan, purple coneflower, and New England aster. These plants are well-suited to our region and provide high-quality nectar and pollen.
• Aim for continuous blooms from early spring through late fall to support pollinators year-round.
• Include flowering herbs like mint, chives, oregano, and lavender; they are great for both pollinators and your kitchen.

How to Protect Pollinators:

• Avoid pesticides, especially during bloom time. If necessary, spray at dusk when pollinators are inactive.
• Leave patches of bare soil, 70% of native bees nest underground.
• Reduce lawn mowing to allow clover and dandelions to bloom in early spring.
• Provide water using a shallow dish filled with pebbles for safe drinking spots.

Even small steps can make a big impact. Whether you have a backyard, balcony, or community garden, creating a pollinator-friendly space helps ensure a healthier environment and more resilient food systems. Together, we can protect these vital species and keep our gardens (and plates) full.

Last updated June 18, 2025