Perennials and annual flowers will be given out at the Kendall Young and Williams Libraries and vegetable seedlings will be handed out at the All Cultures Equal’s drive-through food bank on April 22, thanks to the Hamilton County Democrats’ effort called Dems Growing Buzz for Earth Day. The plants were grown and donated by local Democrats to call attention to the need to support pollinators with food and shelter.

Pollinators are essential to our environment and our diets according to Christopher Stein, Chief of the Heritage Areas and Large Landscape Initiatives for the National Park Service, who recently spoke to the Webster City Rotary Club. He stated that pollinators are responsible for the reproductive success of more than 85% of the world’s plants. But since the 1970’s, pollinators have decreased by more than 45% worldwide. This downward trend is concerning since one-third of every bite we eat is thanks to pollinators. Without pollinators we have less food security. Without food security, our national security is threatened.

Julie Ehresmann, Stratford resident and Associate Professor of Science at Iowa Central Community College, notes “Habitat destruction is typically the number one contributor to species decline. Planting flower and vegetable seedlings is a great way to provide habitat and encourage pollinators while also getting people outside to enjoy the beauty and produce.”

Pollinators are more than bees. They also include butterflies, moths, flies, beetles and wasps, even the male mosquito. Increasing their number requires that humans provide diverse native plants that provide food throughout the growing season, provide habitat for pollinators, and the careful use of insecticides that can destroy pollinators or inhibit their foraging.

People are encouraged to plant pollinator gardens in their private and shared outdoor spaces. Those interested can learn more at the Xerces Foundation, ISU Extension and Outreach or the local library.

To take advantage of the plants donated by the Hamilton County Democrats, the Williams Public Library is offering a make and take activity for children that day. The Kendall Young Library is offering an adult take and make activity around the theme of pollinators and plants on Earth Day, April 22. Information obtained from ISU Extension and Outreach about how to construct a shelter for solitary bees will also be available at the two libraries that day.