Want to protect pollinators and help them flourish in Illinois? Check out Illinois-specific pollinator information at illinoispollinators.org. From identifying pollinator species to the step-by-step process of starting a pollinator garden or attractive habitat, the site serves as a one-stop resource for those looking to make an impact on pollinator populations.
“The Illinois Pollinators website is a collaborative project created by University of Illinois Extension educators from all around the state,” says Ryan Pankau, Extension horticulture educator. “It contains Illinois-specific information about pollinating insects and the plants they rely on, plus a ton of great tips you can use to help support local pollinators.”
You Can Use the Illinois Pollinators Website to:
- Discover which pollinator species call Illinois home.
- Understand the importance of pollinators in Illinois and globally.
- Identify plants pollinators use and filter options with the plant selection tool.
- Learn about pollinator habitat designs and management tips.
- Explore community science and educational opportunities.
- Delve into pollinator research at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
See more: 7 Pollinators to Help Your Garden Grow
Plant choices affect pollinators, and selecting the right plants can have an impact on local pollinator populations. The site’s plant selector tool makes the choice easier.
“Our plant selector tool includes 95 species of native plants that can beautify your garden while providing pollinator resources,” says Erin Garrett, Extension natural resources, environment and energy educator. “The site provides information about each plant’s growing conditions, the pollinators it supports and its commercial availability.”
Check out examples of pre-planned gardens, or with the push of a button, explore plants that work for your location in Illinois by filtering the plant species list according to specific site conditions or various plant attributes, such as size, flower color or bloom timing. The plant selection tool allows you to discover beautiful flowering plants that fit landscape preferences while assisting with pollinators throughout the year.
Finally, dig into the research surrounding pollinators, their decline, and what you can do to help track the pollinators by participating in a variety of community science opportunities.
See more: The Buzz About Pollinators and Farming
– By Jenna Brasch, University of Illinois Extension
