The Pollinator Conservation Association is a Western New York based, not-for-profit organization (501 (c) (3), that supports pollinator conservation through initiatives and action plans that promote community engagement, collaboration, education, and implementation strategies based on science and ecological integrity.
We encourage a whole systems approach which means looking at plant communities and ecosystems as evolutionary systems that work together to promote healthy pollinators and a healthy planet. We appreciate attractive gardens that are designed for pollinators, but we encourage deeper ecological planning and concepts that embrace wholistic systems, biodiversity and an "ecological community" approach. The Pollinator Conservation Association engages individuals, organizations, educational institutions, government agencies and departments, and private businesses to collaborate and promote pollinator conservation planning strategies and projects in the Great Lakes region. Mission Statement Promote pollinator conservation and biodiversity as gateway ecological strategies through advocacy, collaboration, education, and project implementation. Objectives and Goals Prioritize the protection and restoration of the integrity of native ecosystems and biological communities. Strategies Include: -Identification and priotoriztion of conservation sites -Identification and Engagment with Stakeholders -Collaboration -Create and Manage advocacy and programming resources We are currently focused on the Niagara River Corridor and its associated watersheds, which characterize the links between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie through the Niagara River strait. Citizen Science
The PCA is developing a number of initiatives to promote citizen science in order to create pollinator conservation stratgies. This includes an approach to creating a New York State and Great Lakes pollinators Red List assessing both locations and status of known pollinators. IUCN Red List What are Pollinators? Biology Online http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Pollinator_ Pollinator A pollinator is the agent that moves pollen from the male anthers of a flower to the female stigma of a flower to accomplish fertilization or syngamy of the female gamete in the ovule of the flower by the male gamete from the pollen Grain. Though the terms are sometimes confused, a pollinator is different from a pollenizer, which is a plant that is a source of pollen for the pollination process. Examples are insects and birds that pollinate plants Pollinator Partnership http://www.pollinator.org/pollination.htm and North American Pollinator Protection Campaign http://pollinator.org/nappc/index.html What is pollination and who are the pollinators? Pollination occurs when pollen is moved within flowers or carried from flower to flower by pollinating animals such as birds, bees, bats, butterflies, moths, beetles, or other animals, or by the wind. Read more here |
More From the Pollinator Partnership
http://www.pollinator.org/pollination.htm
What does pollination do?
The transfer of pollen in and between flowers of the same species leads to fertilization, and successful seed and fruit production for plants. Pollination ensures that a plant will produce full-bodied fruit and a full set of viable seeds.
Why does pollination matter to us?
Are pollinators in trouble?
What can you do to promote and protect pollinators?
http://www.pollinator.org/pollination.htm
What does pollination do?
The transfer of pollen in and between flowers of the same species leads to fertilization, and successful seed and fruit production for plants. Pollination ensures that a plant will produce full-bodied fruit and a full set of viable seeds.
Why does pollination matter to us?
- Worldwide, roughly 1,000 plants grown for food, beverages, fibers, spices, and medicines need to be pollinated by animals in order to produce the goods on which we depend.
- Foods and beverages produced with the help of pollinators include: apples, blueberries, chocolate, coffee, melons, peaches, potatoes, pumpkins, vanilla, almonds, and tequila.
- In the United States, pollination by honey bees, native bees, and other insects produces $40 billion worth of products annually.
Are pollinators in trouble?
- Worldwide there is disturbing evidence that pollinating animals have suffered from loss of habitat, chemical misuse, introduced and invasive plan and animal species, and diseases and parasites.
- Many pollinators are federally “listed species,” meaning that there is evidence of their disappearance in natural areas.
- The U.S. has lost over 50% of its managed honeybee colonies over the past 10 years.
- A lack of research has hindered our knowledge about the status of pollinators. The E.U. has been so concerned that they have invested over $20 million investigating the status of pollinators in Europe.
What can you do to promote and protect pollinators?
- Plant for pollinators
- Cultivate native plans, especially those that provide nectar and larval food for pollinators – FREE Ecoregional Pollinator Planting Guides
- Install houses for bats and native bees
- Supply salt or mineral licks for butterflies and water for all wildlife
- Reduce pesticide use
- Substitute flower beds for lawns
- Watch for pollinators
- Join the Pollinator Partnership at Get Involved
- Volunteer for pollinator-friendly organizations and garden groups
- Experience time outdoors and work with plants and animals
- VOTE! Make your voice be heard for conservation and pollinators
- Reduce your impact
- Buy locally produced or organic food
- Walk, cycle, use public transit, carpool, telecommute
- Reduce your consumption – reduce, recycle, reuse
- Plant for pollinators
Native BeesOver 4,000 species of native bees have been identified in the United States. It is estimated that 2,000 species can be found in the Great Lakes region. The Pollinator Conservation Network based at Cornell, estimates that there are 416 species found in New York State
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ButterfliesButterflies are beautiful, iconic, and are a great introduction to pollinators and pollinator conservation. We will help you learn about host plants and nectar plants
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Native PlantsNative plants are important because they have evolved with populations of native pollinators. Native flora and fauna create and sustain the biodiversity that supports a healthy living earth. They help to create and the water, air, and stable atmosphere, that makes our planet inhabitable.
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