Pollinator Week is a special time dedicated to recognizing and supporting the incredible pollinators that sustain our ecosystems and food supply. Pollinators like bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and bats play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, enhancing crop yields, and ensuring our food security.

Throughout this Pollinator Week, stay tuned to our Facebook page for fascinating pollinator facts, simple tips, and exciting ways you can make a difference right in your own backyard. Discover how small changes in your daily life can have a big impact on these important creatures!

Join us in celebrating and protecting our pollinators—they truly are nature's superheroes!

Learn more about Norman pollinators and habitat here: https://www.normanok.gov/pollinators

Did you know that pollinators like bees, butterflies, birds, and bats play a vital role in ecosystem health and sustainable food production? About 75% of all flowering plants need animal pollinators to reproduce, and 1 in every 3 bites of food you eat depends on pollinators. Say thanks by planting native plants, supporting local farmers, and educating others about the importance of pollinators!

Learn more about pollinators at Pollinator.org.

Did you know most bees don’t sting? Many are solitary and peaceful. More than 90% of native bees are solitary and 70% of solitary bees are ground nesting, forming burrows in loose soil. The remaining 30% are cavity nesting, forming brood chambers in hollow stems, holes in dead wood, or other materials. Pollinators are fascinating and vital!

Learn more about pollinators at pollinator.org.

Did you know pollinators help protect our water — and vice versa?

Native plants that support pollinators also improve water quality by:

-Stabilizing soil and reducing erosion

-Filtering pollutants and capturing runoff

-Replenishing groundwater with deep root systems

Pollinator gardens are often drought-tolerant and need less irrigation, as well. Create a rain garden or plant native species to save water and support pollinators!

Find a list of City Pollinator Pockets at:

normanok.gov/pollinators

Did you know pollinators are often keystone species, meaning that they are critical to an ecosystem? The work of pollinators ensures full harvests of crops and contributes to healthy plants everywhere. About 1,000 species of pollinators are vertebrates such as birds, bats, and small mammals. Most pollinators (around 200,000 species) are beneficial insects such as flies, beetles, wasps, ants, butterflies, moths, and bees. Pollinators are fascinating and vital!

Learn more at pollinator.org.

Did you know that when you enjoy apples, chocolate, coffee, or almonds, you should thank a pollinator! Pollinators are responsible for the production of over 1,000 plants used in food, beverages, fibers, and medicines. A tiny fly called a Midge pollinates cacao trees (aka: chocolate!), and bats pollinate agave plants (hello, tequila!).

In the U.S. alone, pollinators contribute nearly $20 billion in agricultural products each year. Support them by planting native flowers, reducing pesticide use, and spreading the word!

If you have ideas for future class topics, please send them to us! You can email us at DoERS@normanok.gov or call us at 405-292-9731.