Wisconsin Native Pollinators
Wisconsin Pollinators is a comprehensive resource to Wisconsin native pollinators including bees, butterflies and birds. It includes a large catalog of Wisconsin native plants to create your own pollinator habitat and guidance on how to support your pollinator garden.
Why are pollinators important? Approximately three quarters of the world’s major food crops require or benefit from animal pollination. This includes many fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, currants, plums, apples, sweet cherries, pears, watermelons, cantaloupes, cucumbers, squashes, and tomatoes. Pollinators also are beneficial for seed production in crops such as carrot, onion, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and many herbs.
How do I attract and support native pollinators? Recent declines in honeybee populations have gained much attention, but there also have been notable declines in some native bees, including many species of bumblebees. Local populations of all types of bees can be supported by cultivating flowering plants, providing nesting sites, and eliminating the use of pesticides.
NEW ! Events and Activities
Looking for family friendly activities like Nature Walks, Wildlife Viewing, Native Plant Sales, Bird Walks and much more?
Check out the Wisconsin Events page.
Native Bee Nesting: Where Are They?
There is a great diversity of nest building behavior in Wisconsin's native bees. Understanding their nesting habits can help us support and protect them by offering appropriate habitat in our gardens.
How To Safely Deal With Mosquitoes
Mosquito sprays can harm beneficial insects, contaminated flowers can still be toxic the next day for foraging bees, and butterfly larvae. Learn to safely deal with mosquitoes this summer.
Caterpillar Identification Guide
A Wisconsin native caterpillar identification guide providing information on habitat, habitat, life history, chrysalis and host plants..
