pollinators

Why insects matter and what you can do about their decline

by Karen Schik

update

January 29, 2021

In the past few years, news of the decline of insect populations has raised alarm bells. Experts say the world is losing around 1 to 2 percent of its insects each year. By now, most people know pollinators are vital to making about a third of our food supply. But what about all the other insects — does this overall population decrease matter? >>

From buckthorn to endangered bumblebees, a habitat success story

by Karen Schik

update

September 22, 2020

We're thrilled that an FMR restoration site, a local woodland once choked with European buckthorn, now supports the rusty patched bumblebee, a federally endangered species. >>

Pollinators and native plants, illustrated

update

July 21, 2020

Zosh, a summer Youth Empowerment Program participant, used her scientific illustration skills to celebrate pollinators and native plants. >>

Become a community scientist

by Ellie Rogers

update

April 28, 2020

Scientists sometimes turn to the public to collect observations and data on flora and fauna. If you’re heading outside, why not take note of the wildlife and blooms you see? Here are a few of our favorite projects that call for community scientists. >>

Counting critters at Pine Bend Bluffs, our longest-running restoration

by Karen Schik

update

March 9, 2020

Over the last 20 years at Pine Bend Bluffs, we've converted a buckthorn forest to oak savanna and a Siberian elm canopy to prairie. Now we're monitoring the site to see how wildlife is responding. Read more

The abundant prairie: A William H. Houlton Conservation Area wildlife update

by Alex Roth

update

February 28, 2020

In just its second year, the restoration project at Houlton is yielding impressive wildlife gains: from 16 bumblebees in the first year to 575 now, from 15 kinds of butterflies to 25. These results show progress toward the thriving habitat we hoped to create. >>

The rusty patched bumblebee: What’s all the buzz about?

by Karen Schik

update

September 9, 2019

A lone male rusty patched bumblebee found in August at an FMR-restored savanna represents 0.2 percent of the known population worldwide. Necessary not only for native wildflower reproduction, but also for creating seeds and fruits that feed wildlife as diverse as songbirds and bears, our state bee could use your help. >>