Pollinators are nature’s tiny winged wonders, keeping our environment abuzz with life. From hummingbirds to butterflies to beetles, these critters work tirelessly to keep the world’s flowers, fruits, and veggies from going extinct—one tiny wingbeat at a time. Without them, we’d be pollen our hair out over empty plates!

According to the National Wildlife Federation, pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites we take. That’s a whole lot of polli-nation at work! And wildflowers? They’re more than just a pretty petal face. Their deep roots prevent erosion, require less water, and thrive in the soil they know best—no diva demands here.

Unfortunately, our buzzing buddies are facing serious threats, and it’s not just the honeybees who are in a sticky situation. Habitat loss, fragmentation, and pesticide exposure are turning their world into a real loss. When pollinators lose large and safe habitats, they struggle to find food, safe shelter, and enough strength to weather disease and other stressors. 

The good news? You can bee the change! Plant native flowers, create pollinator-friendly spaces, and help build a buzzworthy future for our tiniest heroes. Every blossom counts when it comes to saving the bees, butterflies, and beyond!

Want to dig deeper? Learn more about local conservation efforts from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources here or grab some native floral seeds from the historic Fort de Chartres Heart of Illinois Country Heritage Shop here. This National Pollinator Month, let’s give our buzzing, fluttering, and flitting friends the flowers, space, and support they need—because when pollinators thrive, so does our community.