What are Pollinators and why do we need them? by Ed Powers

Pollinators at Home Courtesy yard map.org   This blog is meant to introduce you to pollinators and pollination and their value to our economy.   We as Americans have become more focused on their value for many reasons; one of the most important is the reduction in the numbers of pollinators.   As an overview, pollination is an ecosystem process that has evolved over millions of years to benefit both flowering plants and pollinators. A pollinator is an animal that causes   plants   to make fruit or seeds. Pollinators visit flowers for many reasons, including feeding, pollen collection, and warmth. When pollinators visit flowers, pollen rubs or drops onto their bodies. The pollen is then transferred to another flower or a different part of the same flower as the pollinator moves from one location to the next. This pollen then fertilizes the plant. Only fertilized plants can make fruit and/or seeds, and without them, the plants cannot reproduce. Pollinators are Not   Just Birds and