06-05-2025
Spring warmth brings vital pollinators back to Western N.Y.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Spring brings warmer weather, blooming trees, and a return to outdoor life. For farmers, it also marks the return of vital pollinators like bumblebees, wasps, and beetles. While honeybees aren't native, they're among the most essential pollinators in Western New York.
'Honeybees are actually a pretty big industry here in western New York. And, you know, they're very important. They supply us with honey. And although not really specific to New York, almonds are 99% reliant on honeybees for pollination. So, without honeybees, we would not have almonds,' said Challis Mathes, a horticulture resource educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension for Monroe County.
With fewer grassy areas and more carefully maintained yards, natural habitats for pollinators are shrinking. But even spaces like utility corridors can be used to help restore what's been lost—providing food and shelter for these vital species.
'There aren't a lot of grassy areas. You know, people like to maintain their yards for various reasons. You know, aesthetics, keeping tick populations in check. But a lot of them do need those grassy areas. And so one of the things New York State does is work with utilities for, you know, where power lines go through, they can actually help them create habitat and put in, you know, different species that pollinators rely on, either for food or for reproduction,' Mathes said.
Even small actions at home can make a difference. Simple additions to your garden can provide native pollinators with much-needed shelter and support.
'There are small little pollinator homes that you can get. They're usually just a bunch of little wooden circles,' said Mathes. 'Putting those out around your gardens is a really great way to be beneficial to native pollinators and gives them a little space to hang out and make a little house. So just simple things like that can be really impactful.'
If you'd like to learn more about pollinators and how you can help protect them, Mathes encourages everyone to check out the programs and classes offered by their local Cornell Cooperative Extension office.
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