What are Pollinators?
Pollinators Ensure We Have Food
Scientists estimate that one out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of animal pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths, birds and bats, and beetles and other insects. Three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants and about 35 percent of the world’s food crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce.
Pollination Is Simple and Necessary
Pollinators visit flowers in their search for food (nectar and pollen). During a flower visit, a pollinator accidentally brush against the flower’s reproductive parts, depositing pollen from flower to flower. The plant uses the pollen to produce a fruit or seed. Many plants cannot reproduce without pollen carried to them by foraging pollinators.
Pollinators (and We) Are In Trouble!
Bees are disappearing, bats are dying, and other animal pollinators face many challenges like habitat loss, disease, parasites, and environmental contaminants, which cause the decline of many species of pollinators. Pollinators that can’t find the right quantity or quality of food within flight range don’t survive. Right now, there simply aren’t enough pollinator friendly plantings to support pollinators.
How Are We Encouraging Pollinators
* Replacing turf grass
* Creating pollinator-friendly habitat with native plants
* Planting native, pollinator-friendly plants, including flowers, grasses, trees, and shrubs.
* Planting a wide variety of native plants (more than 33 different species)
* Some plants provide food, others provide shelter, for pollinators
This may be the biggest project of its kind in Maryland.
Our Partners
The Diocese of Maryland
Maryland Department of Transportation
Maryland Forest Service
University of Maryland Extension Service
Allegany High School FFA
Allegany County Public Schools
Religious and community organizations in Western Maryland
Frostburg State University
Allegany College of Maryland
Episcopal parishes in Frederick and Calvert County
People from around the entire region
Why is Emmanuel Doing This?
* We believe in the stewardship of God’s creation, which has been entrusted to us
* We believe in being a vitally active member of the community of Western Maryland
* We believe in finding innovative ways to bring people together to build relationships and live the gospel
Benefits
* Year-round natural beauty
* Local native plants are uniquely adapted to local conditions
* Increased native biodiversity
* Food and shelter for pollinators & wildlife
* Increased pollination services
* Generally pest free
* Biological control of “pest” insects
* Water conservation
* Low-to-no maintenance
* Lawncare expenses can be directed to other programs
* No fertilizer or chemicals required
* Reduced carbon footprint (e.g. mowing)
* Reduced time commitment
* Drought tolerant
* Erosion Control
* Community engagement and learning opportunities
