BIODIVERSITY GARDEN

Biodiversity supports a critial balance in nature. Biological diversity maintains stability and resilience within a given habitat and globally. Wildlife populations have declined by about 70% in the last 50 years. Plants and pollinators support the foundation of natural foods webs and human food systems.

Biodiversity benefits all of us. From providing food to regulating the climate to reducing stress and anxiety, biodiversity affects us in a variety of ways. The many benefits can be grouped into regulating, provisioning, cultural and supporting categories. All of these benefits depend on a healthy environment.

Wondering how you can help? Here are five ways to support pollinators:

1.  Create habitats by planting native species

2. Select diverse plants that bloom from spring to fall

3. Avoid or limit use of pesticides

4. Provide bare spots in your garden for pollinators that nest in the ground

5. Keep leaves and stems in your garden as shelter for overwintering pollinators

Native perennial plants enhance water retention, carbon storage and provision for a diverse community of organisms, including ar-risk pollinators.

Learn more and connect with the organizations that made this garden possible:

OU Pollinator Conservation Organization

OU Student Congress

OU Biological Sciences

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