Most of us do not think about how important insects are to our daily lives.

Insects are very valuable in a host of activities. One aspect often overlooked is pollination.

According to the USDA Plant Materials Centers, pollinators are critically important in 35 percent of global crop production. They estimate there are approximately 20,000 bee species of which 4,000 of them are native to the Untied States. The non-native European honey bee is the most important crop pollinator in the United States while native bees provide free pollination services that contribute an estimated $3 billion worth of crop pollination annually to the United States economy.

Protecting, enhancing and creating habitat for these pollinators is good for Richland County agricultural producers. The agricultural producers raising alfalfa/grass for seed, truck gardens and fruit trees receive multiple benefits from pollinators. In turn, agricultural producers provide the habitat that allows these pollinators to thrive.

Pollinators have two basic habitat needs: A diversity of flowering plants throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons as well as egg laying and nesting sites.

Many producers in Richland County already have sites that are used for pollinator habitat such as field boarders, hedge rows, irrigation drains and road ditches. Many times poor quality soils that do not raise crops, may be used to provide habitat for pollinating insects.

Plant communities on the margins of cropland should contain early and late season blooming plants. Early spring flowering plants provide an important food source for bees emerging from winter hibernation, and late fall flowering plants help bees build up their energy reserves before entering winter dormancy. Bees also need nesting and over wintering sites. In fact, nesting sites are as important as providing flowers. Native bees often nest in inconspicuous locations. Seventy percent of North America’s bee species are ground nesters and 30 percent are solitary wood nesters.

If you would like to help improve the habitat for pollinators on your property, contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service and see what they can recommend for you.