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By Laurel Hopwood
 Those
words in a 1960's song bring memories of slow dancing in a high
school gym. I had other things on my mind then. It hadn't occurred
to me that birds, bees, and other creatures have a purpose other
than poetic words for a love song. It became very clear when I
learned about the 10/18/06 report by the National Research Council
which indicates that long-term population trends for many North
American pollinators are "demonstrably downward."
Bees, birds, bats, and other animals and insects spread pollen
so plant fertilization can occur. Many people equate pollen with
allergies, bees with stings, and bats with rabies. The insects
and animals that some fear are actually supporting our lives. The
transfer of pollen from anther to stigma is critical to fruit and
seed production. They pollinate about one-third of the crop plants
that feed humankind.
Honey bees pollinate more than 90 commercially grown crops and
shortages exist. This demise has been brought on by loss of habitat,
exposure to pesticides, the spread of diseases and mites, climatic
fluctuations, and possibly, the feeding of genetically engineered
corn syrup and parts of recycled hives.
Bat populations have been declining at an alarming rate largely
because of loss of habitat. Bats need friends. They've suffered
from misinformation and superstition for years. The majority of
bats are not rabid and they present little health risk for humans.
As we learn more about our bat friends, we realize their importance
in the natural scheme of things.
Hummingbirds pollinate wildflowers. Perennials, such as trumpet
creeper vine, bee balm, and cardinal flower, attract these beautiful
birds. It's heartwarming to watch the eyes and facial expression
of a child as he/she observes a hummingbird visit these native
plants.
Let's work together! Urban dwellers can rely on organic methods
of pest and weed control, purchase organic produce, and include
native plants for pollinators in their gardens. Land use planners
should provide undeveloped corridors and designate pesticide free
zones within this matrix.
Educators can emphasize the importance of pollinators and the
interconnectedness of life in general. Children can learn to appreciate
that thousands of species of bees, wasps, moths, butterflies, beetles,
birds and mammals have their place in the scheme of things, serving
in a critical role as pollinators.
Before you sit down for dinner, thank a bee, a butterfly, a bat,
or a bird.
Sources for natives include: www.prairienursery.com (800-GRO-WILD);
www.ohioprairienursery.com (866-569-3380); and www.envirotechcon.com (740-743-1669).
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