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More than 75% of flowering plants depend on pollinators to keep sustainable populations in their habitats. Although we usually think of insects as the pollinators, pollinators come in all shapes and sizes from insects, birds, and bats. Pollination of plant species can be achieved by wind, water, and pollinators. Pollinators play a major role in sexual reproduction of plant species by moving pollen from one flower to another of the same species.
More than 75% of flowering plants depend on pollinators to keep sustainable populations in their habitats. Although we usually think of insects as the pollinators, pollinators come in all shapes and sizes from insects, birds, and bats. Pollination of plant species can be achieved by wind, water, and pollinators. Pollinators play a major role in sexual reproduction of plant species by moving pollen from one flower to another of the same species.
Example 1: Awareness of Pollinators
Example 1: Awareness of Pollinators
This poster board would be handed out on the campus and local parts throughout the community to spread awareness on the importance of pollinators. The Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP) could then teach classes on local pollinators and vegetation to help protect pollinators habitats.
Michigan is full of biodiversity with the Great Lakes and deciduous forest in northern region of the state. Pollinators play a major part in Michigan's ecosystems and many species, including humans, rely on these natural resources produced to survive. The major anthropogenic threats pollinators are facing is loss of habitat, deforestation, climate change, urbanization, and agriculture practices. Much of these problems are directly correlated by roadways, manicured lawns, crops and non-native gardens, loss of food, and nesting sites necessary for pollinators survival. It is important to recognize how humans are impacting the local habitats of native pollinators and plant species that are vital to their communities.
Example 2: Hummingbird Garden
Example 2: Hummingbird Garden
Starting a hummingbird garden at the SAP would help increase the hummingbird population and other local pollinators that feed off the same flower species. Ultimately, this mutualism relationship between the hummingbirds and plants would benefit the entire ecosystem.
Hummingbirds are attracted to dozen of different flower types, and some flowering species even evolved specific characteristics to entice hummingbirds to help their reproduction. The hummingbird makes for a key pollinator because of its ability to hover in place and the fact that they drink up to two times their body weight per day. Another reason hummingbirds make for a great pollinator is that they cover a lot of ground specially when they migrate to Mexico and Central American in the winter.
Example 3: Building Hummingbird Houses
Example 3: Building Hummingbird Houses
Another way to increase the hummingbird population is to build them houses in their local habitats. The SAP could offer classes on how to build your own hummingbird houses and recommend where to place them.
Interestingly, when it comes to hummingbirds the female is the one who builds the nest, and she only lays two eggs. The male hummingbird is not involved in raising the young and typically will be searching for another mate before the babies hatch. Once the baby hummingbirds hatch they live inside the nest for about three weeks before they take flight.
With hummingbirds only producing two eggs and increasing anthropogenic impacts on their habitats, building houses could help increase the hummingbirds population.
Resources
Resources
Genier, L. M. 2018. "10 Facts About Hummingbirds." https://www.adirondackcouncil.org/page/blog-139/news/10-facts-about-hummingbirds--and-other-interesting-tidbits-1101.html
Mayntz, M. "10 Best Flowers for Attracting Hummingbirds." The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/top-hummingbird-flowers-386271 access on Aug. 17, 2020.
MSU.“Why We Should Care About Pollinators?”. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/introducing-michigan-insects-in-the-garden
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