Pollinator Resources:
Informational links for farmers interested in learning about the benefits of promoting healthy pollinator habitat on their property:
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service - Pollinator Habitat Resources: Comprehensive guide on creating and maintaining pollinator habitats.
- The Xerces Society - Pollinator Conservation: Information on pollinator conservation strategies and habitat management.
- USDA Farm Service Agency - CRP Pollinator Habitat Initiative: Details on government programs supporting pollinator habitat creation.
- Pollinator Partnership - Agriculture & Pollinators: Resources on the importance of pollinators in agriculture and habitat creation.
- Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education - Managing Alternative Pollinators: Handbook on managing pollinator habitats for various species.
The Importance of North Coast Native Pollinators:
Most people are familiar with the European honey bee (originally from South and Southeast Asia), but few know that California is home to 1,600 species of native bees. Most are solitary in nature, do not build hives, and do not produce honey or wax for human consumption.
However, native bees are 200 times more efficient at pollination than honey bees! Native bees can play just as vital a role in agriculture as they do in the greater ecosystem.
However, native bees are 200 times more efficient at pollination than honey bees! Native bees can play just as vital a role in agriculture as they do in the greater ecosystem.
Genus/species: Bombus sp.
Northern California has some of the greatest bumble bee species diversity in the world. The North Coast Region is home to over 19 different species of bumble bees. Bumble bees use a special type of pollination called "buzz" pollination where they vibrate their wings in order to trigger flowering plants to release pollen. Bumble bees are key native pollinators for blueberries, strawberries, plums, zucchinis, melons, sweet peppers, tomatoes, as well as seed crops like alfalfa, red clover, cotton, and sunflower. They also are the only known pollinator of the potato worldwide.
Bombus sp. Native Plant Hosts:
Lupinus: Lupines
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Gaultheria shallon: Salal
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Baccharis pilularis: Coyote Bush
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Genus/species: Osmia sp. (Mason Bee)
According to the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, pollinating an acre of apples requires 60,000-120,000 honey bees; the same area can be pollinated by 250-750 mason bees.
Osmia sp. Native plant hosts
Alnus rubra: Red Alder
Alders are easily identified by their unique flowering structures known as "catkins". The structure on the left is the male pollen baring catkin and the structure on the right is the female seed baring catkin.
Not only are alder trees an excellent habitat and forage for native mason bees, they also play an important role in nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus nutrient cycles.
Not only are alder trees an excellent habitat and forage for native mason bees, they also play an important role in nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus nutrient cycles.
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Plant Family Rosaceae: Salmonberry, Pacific Blackberry, and Thimbleberry are all native plants within the Rose family and are all forage hosts for native mason bees. Native Rosaceae plants typically thrive in Humboldt's forested landscapes but they are susceptible to being outcompeted by invasive members of the rosaceae family such as the himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) and the multiflora rose (Rubus parviflorus).