THREATS TO POLLINATORS
5.1 billion pounds of pesticides are applied in the U.S. each year, including nearly 300 million pounds of glyphosate (Roundup).
Habitat Loss
Pollinator habitat has been lost to or degraded by agriculture, urban/suburban development, and resource extraction. Creating and protecting pollinator habitat would not only help restore populations, but also stabilize the soil, improve water quality, and provide habitat for other wildlife. Pollinators have two basic habitat needs–diverse native flowering plants and egg-laying or nesting sites.
Pesticides/Herbicides
The science is clear: Neonicotinoids (neonics), the most widely used class of pesticides in the world, are a key factor in recent global bee deaths. Neonics are commonly used in ornamental plant production and remain in the plants at the time of sale. Glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide in the world, leads to milkweed decline, a major factor in Monarch butterfly population losses.
Invasive Species/Disease
Non-native plants can crowd out the wildflowers pollinators need to survive and attract pollinators away from native species that are superior food sources. Some organisms introduced as biocontrol agents have also caused problems for pollinators, and disease caused by mite infestations (such as the Varroa mite) can destroy honeybee colonies.
MASSACHUSETTS ACTION
Local Resolutions
Many cities and towns in Massachusetts have created resolutions to protect pollinators. Andover has established a Pollinator Awareness Project and Great Barrington residents voted that their town be pollinator-friendly and minimize the use of pesticides.
Community Action
Schools, businesses, and other organizations can work together to create and maintain community gardens, which are a great way to both protect pollinators and beautify an area! The Boston Nature Center in Mattapan is home to the largest community gardens in Boston.
State Law
At least 18 states have enacted legislation to help pollinators, typically addressing one or more of the following: research, awareness, beekeeping, pesticide use, and
habtat protection. H.2113, An Act to Protect Massachusetts Pollinators, would further regulate the use of neonics pesticides, a main cause of pollinator decline.