BEE Protective Managing Landscapes with Pollinators in Mind

Pollinators are important members of various land ecosystems. How we manage these ecosystems and landscapes therefore plays a critical role in long-term pollinator health. The expansion of urban, suburban, and agricultural areas reduces pollinator habitat and access to food. Intensive chemical use in these areas harms these beneficial organisms. Pesticide applications to manage weeds and insects along roadsides, in forestland, parks, and rights-of-ways expose bees, birds, butterflies and other beneficial organisms to acute and sublethal levels of pesticides, which can result in reproductive abnormalities, impaired foraging, and even death.

Eliminating hazardous pesticide use along with the planting of forage and habitat areas with native vegetation are the best options for conserving pollinators.