Attracting Pollinators

August 8, 2014

Busy Bees and Butterflies

By Meredith Laurence, Events Coordinator

Environmental Educator, Annette Paluh, came to visit Bedner’s to present the topic “Busy Bees and Butterflies.” She began with some great facts and tips on having, and keeping, a plethora of pollinators in your home garden. She listed the top pollinators, especially ones local to this area. These include honey bees, butterflies, moths, fruit bats, hummingbirds (Ruby Throat), and the Hummingbird Clear-wing Moth. The best ways to attract pollinators is to have a food source for every life stage available all year round, ex; Chinese Witch Hazel, Violets, Allium (drumstick), Dogwood Shrub, Geranium, etc.

Annette also described the basic differences between moths and butterflies. Moths can be seen in both day and night, while butterflies present during daylight only. Moths have feathery antennae, and make their casing out of silk. Butterflies have club-shaped antennae, and make a casing of hard shell. The most well-known butterfly is the Monarch, which have seemed to be in danger in recent years, low in numbers, development, as well as loss of habitat, and appear later in season than normal.

Annette provided us with a wealth of incredibly interesting information, including some ways us humans can help provide a local area for these pollinators to be welcomed and to flourish. She provided us with handouts, “Conserving Wild Bees in Pennsylvania” and “Build Your Own Bee Condo,” which can be found at Bedner’s in our information area. Annette will be joining us again on Sunday, August 10 at 1:00pm, during our Fields to Fork event, with her “Spicy Medicine” presentation.We would be glad to see you there!