Support the Pollinators
Creating a world where bees, butterflies, and birds can thrive
Pollinators aren’t just visitors to Bear Ash Farm they’re the reason we do what we do. From the bees in our hives to the butterflies drifting through our orchard, these creatures keep ecosystems thriving and food growing.
This page is your guide to making a difference, whether you’re tending a backyard garden, a few flower pots, or a full landscape. You don’t need a farm to help pollinators just a willingness to plant, protect, and pay attention.
Let’s dig in.
Support Starts Here
Pollinators are the invisible workforce behind much of the food we eat and the wild beauty we depend on. Without them, ecosystems unravel and food systems falter.
Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other insects transfer pollen from flower to flower, a process that enables fruit, seeds, and new plants to grow. About 75% of flowering plants and one-third of the world’s crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce.
But habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate disruption have put many pollinator populations in decline. Helping them doesn’t require grand gestures — it just takes thoughtful planting, cleaner practices, and a little space to let nature work.
Pollinators aren’t just part of the system. They are the system.
Why Pollinators Matter
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Both native bees and honey bees are the stars of the show. Solitary bees like mason and leafcutter bees are incredibly efficient pollinators, while honey bees contribute to crop yields and local honey. We plant a diversity of flowers and leave bare patches of ground and stems for their nesting needs.
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Beyond their beauty, butterflies are long-distance pollinators that rely on host plants during their life cycle. Monarchs, for example, need milkweed to reproduce. Our wildflower plantings and no-spray approach help them thrive.
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While not all birds are pollinators, hummingbirds play a key role, especially with tubular flowers. Seed-eating birds also support ecosystem health by dispersing native plants. Hedgerows and berry-producing shrubs help feed and shelter them.
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While caterpillars (like the woolly bear pictured here) aren’t pollinators themselves, their adult moth form plays a key role. Often overlooked, moths are essential nighttime pollinators, especially for evening-blooming and native plants.
Other insects like beetles, flies, and even ants also contribute to pollination, especially in wild or untended ecosystems. Supporting these unsung heroes means embracing a little wildness — messy edges, diverse plantings, and a no-spray approach.
What YOU can do
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Plant Native Flowers
Choose a variety of native plants that bloom from early spring to late fall. Different species support different pollinators, and succession blooming ensures a constant food supply. Start small — even one flower bed can help.
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Ditch the Chemicals
Pesticides and herbicides don’t discriminate — they harm pollinators along with pests. Avoid sprays, especially during bloom times, and opt for organic or mechanical alternatives when managing pests.
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Create Shelter
Pollinators need more than nectar. Leave bare soil patches for ground-nesting bees, skip the fall cleanup so stems and leaves can shelter overwintering insects, and plant hedges or shrubs for birds and butterflies.
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Provide Water
A shallow dish with stones or a mud puddle can be a lifesaver for bees and butterflies. Make sure water is fresh, accessible, and safe from drowning — especially during dry spells.