Written by Jill Fessler
More natural habitat is disappearing in our area due to the building of homes and commercial sites. Shrinking meadows push wildlife to other locations for food and clean water sources.
What can we do to support the available green space? Develop a no-mow zone or plant flowers which provide a food source for birds, butterflies and bees. Each city and county should establish no-mow zones or pollination zones.
State Road Departments are planting flowers in the medians of our interstates which reduce the mowing expense. Ask your local representatives to make the establishment of pollination zones a priority within our park areas. We have heard the term “Feed the Bees” for good reason because most of our food like fruits, vegetables and seed crops, is produced because of the work of animal pollinators.
My favorite backyard garden is a Zinnia or Sun Flower patch with a water source or bird bath. Zinnia seeds are inexpensive and can be found at local stores. Multi-colored Zinnias grow within six weeks from seed to bloom. They attract birds, butterflies and bees as well as providing flowers for floral arrangements. They produce nectar which is a food source for butterflies. Zinnias continue to bloom until October.
Sunflowers provide food for Goldfinch which builds nests in late summer. Flower seeds can be harvested and dried for the following year. As an added bonus, a backyard flower garden provides a great opportunity for photos! Experiment with your cell phone camera settings for varied results.
Let’s make preserving nature’s habitat a priority in Northern Kentucky. We can make a difference in our parks, roadsides and in our backyards. Everyone benefits by increasing our much needed green space. You can provide food and habitat for pollinators to help them thrive.
For more information visit: farmers.gov/pollinators
