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The Chillicothe Public Library is offering an eight-session program series in 2019 called “Pollinators: What’s the Buzz?” The library is partnering with community members, scientists, museums and conservation groups to bring an in-depth exploration of topics related to pollinators and their interactions with humans. Attendees are invited to become citizen scientists through hands-on activities such as raising butterflies at home and participating in a photography contest.

Pollinator Fast Facts

  • About 75 percent of all flowering plant species need the help of animals to move their pollen grains from plant to plant for fertilization.
  • About 1,000 of all pollinators are vertebrates such as birds, bats and small mammals. 
  • Most pollinators (about 200,000 species) are beneficial insects such as flies, beetles, wasps, ants, butterflies, moths and bees. 
  • One third of all foods and beverages are delivered by pollinators, including blueberries, chocolate, coffee, melons, peaches, pumpkins, vanilla and almonds.  
  • In the U.S., pollination accounts for the production of nearly $20 billion worth of products annually.

Source: The Pollinator Partnership, pollinator.org

Pollinators—such as bees, butterflies, beetles and flies—are responsible for three quarters of our major food crops, including fruits, vegetables and nuts. Kicking off the series last month, master naturalist Mike Conratto discussed pollinators and their importance to human food production, other ways they improve our lives, and how we can help protect endangered pollinator species. In the second session on February 26th, he will share tips on how to make gardens more colorful and fruitful in “Gardening for Pollinators.” The remainder of the series will be taught by other educators and scientists, with a focus on how to actively support pollinators in the environment: 

For more information, call (309) 274-2719 or visit chillipld.org. 

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