Sunny and 70 degrees one day, snow and ice the next; periods of drought followed by torrential rains. Sound familiar? ‘Weather whiplash’ is becoming ever-more common, and we’re not the only ones to notice its effects. This type of weather can impact everything in our ecosystem, including pollinators and their phenology (the timing of biological events). For example, bees’ emergence in the spring is timed to match the flowering of their preferred plants. If plants and their pollinators don’t respond to changes in climate in the same way, a timing mismatch can occur, leaving pollinators searching in vain for food. Extreme weather events such as flooding or drought can have the same result, and pollinators weakened in this way can become more susceptible to disease.
In a changing climate, it’s more important than ever to provide good habitat for pollinators in our home gardens, parks and public areas. There are many steps we can take, including:
- Plant a wide variety of flowering plants that bloom from early spring through late fall. A garden with many species not only provides food, but also creates small spaces (called ‘microhabitats’) that vary in temperature, providing refuge during extreme heat or cold.
- Use drought-tolerant native plants. Not only do they require less watering, their extensive root systems (up to 16 feet!) increase the ability of the soil to absorb and retain water, reducing storm water runoff.
- Plant trees! Not only are they excellent host plants and sources of early-season nectar, their shade reduces temperatures, their roots store runoff and filter pollutants, and they’re excellent at carbon sequestration.
Rather than ‘joking away’ the changing climate, or giving in to despair, consider making one positive change in your landscape this season. We can all be a part of the solution!
