Pollinators & Beneficial Insects

Encouraging nature’s helpers for healthier crops and landscapes

Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and beetles are essential for food production and the natural environment. Conservation districts provide support to create pollinator-friendly landscapes by providing guidance on native plantings, reduced pesticide use, and strategic habitat restoration.

  • Plant native flowers: Include a variety of native plants in your farm or garden to provide food and habitat for pollinators.
  • Reduce pesticide use: Use organic or targeted pest control methods that won’t harm beneficial insects.
  • Create habitats: Establish hedgerows or buffer zones around fields to attract and protect pollinators.

Want to help pollinators thrive on your land?

Check out the resources below or contact your conservation district for resources and funding opportunities to support these crucial species.

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Explore Conservation Resources

A Citizen Science Guide to Wild Bees and Floral Visitors in Western Washington
Washington State University

This publication provides an introduction to wild bee biodiversity and offers methods for monitoring these essential pollinators. It encourages citizen scientists to contribute to conservation efforts through simple observation techniques.

Burke Herbarium Image Collection
The Burke Museum

The Burke Herbarium Image Collection provides an extensive online database of plant, fungi, and lichen specimens, including high-resolution images and detailed records. It supports botanical research, identification, and education, particularly for species in the Pacific Northwest.

Farming for Bees: Guidelines for Providing Native Bee Habitat on Farms
The Xerces Society

This guide provides strategies to protect and enhance native bee habitats on farms, including advice on establishing pollinator habitats and using flowering cover crops. It also offers pesticide risk reduction tips and practical checklists to improve bee habitats, with case studies from farms across the country.

Hedgerows Toolkit for Rural & Working Lands
Washington State University

WSU’s Hedgerows and Farmscaping program provides guidance on designing and implementing hedgerows to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and support pollinators. It offers resources for farmers and land managers to integrate these features into agricultural landscapes for ecological and economic benefits.

How to Reduce Bee Poisoning from Pesticides
Oregon State University Extension

This publication offers guidance on how pesticide use impacts wild and managed bees and provides strategies to minimize harm. It outlines collaborative efforts between beekeepers, growers, and pesticide applicators to prevent bee poisoning

Nests for Native Bees
The Xerces Society

This fact sheet provides tips on how to create suitable nesting habitats for various native bee species, including solitary bees and bumblebees. It highlights the importance of offering nesting blocks, bare ground, and other natural features to support healthy bee populations.

PLANTS Database
United State Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service

The USDA PLANTS Database (Plant List of Accepted Nomenclature, Taxonomy, and Symbols) is a resource offering detailed information on plant species across the United States, including their taxonomy, distribution, and conservation status. It supports research, education, and land management with tools like plant guides and an extensive image library.

Pollinator Partnership
Pollinator Partnership

Pollinator Partnership is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting pollinators essential to ecosystems and agriculture through conservation, education, and research. Its website offers additional resources, publications, and tools like planting guides to support pollinator-friendly practices.

Pollinators and Climate Change: Climate-Smart Natural Habitat
The Xerces Society

This guide outlines strategies to enhance pollinator resilience in the face of climate change, with a focus on habitat management. While specific to California, the recommendations are broadly applicable for creating more resilient ecosystems across various regions.

Smarter Pest Management: Pollinator Protection for Cities and Campuses
The Xerces Society

This resource promotes integrated pest management (IPM) to reduce pesticide use and safeguard pollinators in urban areas. It encourages habitat creation and thoughtful pest control, ensuring the protection of pollinators while maintaining public safety and environmental health.