Pollinator populations are declining rapidly, posing a major threat to both natural ecosystems and our food supply. Around 80% of flowering plants, including many crops, rely on pollinators for reproduction. Without them, agricultural yields would plummet, plant biodiversity would suffer, and entire ecosystems could collapse. Key challenges include:

• Food Security at Risk: A reduction in pollination means lower crop yields, directly impacting global food production.

• Biodiversity Loss: Many plants and wild species depend on pollinators, so their decline can lead to a decrease in overall plant diversity.

• Economic Impact: Agriculture, which benefits billions of dollars annually from pollination services, would face significant financial losses.

• Ecosystem Disruption: The decline of native pollinators in regions like Michigan, where species such as bumblebees perform critical functions (like buzz pollination), could destabilize local ecosystems.

• Increased Endangerment of Species: Some pollinators, such as the Rusty Patched Bumblebee, are already federally endangered, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.

If we fail to address these challenges, the long-term consequences could include widespread food shortages, loss of natural habitats, and severe economic repercussions.

A practical and impactful way to address this problem is through the creation of native pollinator gardens. 

These gardens use native plants to provide the necessary food and shelter that pollinators need. Modern landscapes, especially in agricultural areas, often replace diverse native wildflowers with non-native species or monocultures that fail to support local pollinators. 

By establishing native pollinator gardens, we can offer a variety of flowering plants that bloom across different seasons, ensuring a consistent supply of nectar and pollen.

Implementing a native pollinator garden at SAP directly contributes to pollinator conservation while enhancing plant diversity and supporting agricultural productivity. 

This initiative not only benefits the farm’s crops by increasing the local pollinator population but also offers educational opportunities, allowing students to participate in hands-on sustainability efforts. 

Furthermore, this project aligns with broader ecological goals and mirrors successful programs at other universities and working farms, demonstrating how targeted habitat restoration can effectively support local pollinator populations and strengthen our ecosystem.