Pollinators play an essential role in Minnesota’s ecosystems. They help plants reproduce; healthy plant populations provide food and habitat to other wildlife and help to clean air and water. Pollinators sustain a healthy, diverse, functioning ecosystem.

Without biodiversity, our ecosystem would fail. This is happening today. Increased human activity, pollutants, homogenization of landscapes, and other factors — many of them inextricably linked with climate change — are threatening our pollinators and biodiversity. This in turn leads to impacts that include pollution, heat islands, more severe weather, and a toll on human health.

Metro Blooms cares about pollinators because they play an essential role in a healthy, resilient ecosystem that has clean water and clean air to support all the lives that depend on it. They also bring us joy and appreciation for nature. “Orange” you glad when you see a beautiful monarch fluttering by? Pollinator conservation connects all people and can start ripple effects for impacting the larger issue of climate change.

So what can Minnesotans do? Awareness is growing. The rusty patched bumble bee, once widespread, is now an endangered species. The rusty patched was designated the Minnesota state bee in 2019 to let people know about the importance of pollinators and conserving their habitats. The state has provided many resources and grant funding through the Lawns to Legumes program to help individuals and communities create habitats to protect pollinators. Below are a few tips and resources to start taking action and learn more.

Ways you can help

• Plant native plants. They have long roots that soak up stormwater and prevent erosion. Native plants are also food and shelter for pollinators.
• Decrease or cut out pesticide use. Chemicals in pesticides can run-off and contaminate our water resources.
• Break the “perfect lawn” standard . The conventional lawn uses more water and pesticides, and rid the environment of biodiversity. Alternative turfs such as bee lawns are more earth-friendly and resilient. Bee lawns, which can include a diverse mix of low-growing flowers, provide habitat and food for pollinators. 
• Spread the word. Talk to your neighbors, friends, and family. Let them know they can be a part of the change.

Bee etiquette

• Know that bees aren’t out to sting you! Our stinging friends are mostly wasps who care more about your lunch than you and your plants!
• Don’t swat or panic. This causes the bees to feel threatened.
• Don’t smell like a flower. Avoid perfumes and scented products when gardening.
• Wear long sleeves and pants and light clothes when gardening. If you look too colorful, bees might mistake you for a flower.

Learn more

• Board of Water and Soil Resources fact sheet.
• More on the rusty patched as a Minnesota state symbol.
• The rusty patched’s importance to our state, from the University of Minnesota Entomology Department.
• The Lawns to Legumes program providing resources to help protect pollinators.
• Plants liked by the rusty patched.
• DIY bee lawn information.

— Jacqueline Nguyen, Metro Blooms Project Manager