Arlington’s backyards and gardens are more important to local ecosystems than most people realize. Native pollinators — from bumblebees to monarch butterflies — depend on the plants we grow to survive and reproduce.
Why Pollinators Matter
Pollinators are responsible for one in every three bites of food we eat. They enable the reproduction of over 85% of the world’s flowering plants. In Arlington’s Post Oak Savannah ecosystem, native bees are critical for maintaining the diverse understory vegetation that supports the entire food web.
What You Can Do
Start by planting native species like black-eyed susans, purple coneflower, and Texas sage in your garden. Avoid pesticides, especially neonicotinoids, which are particularly harmful to bees. Even a small 4×4 patch of native wildflowers can make a difference.
The Arlington Conservation Council hosts seasonal native plant sales and can help you plan a pollinator-friendly garden. Contact us to learn about our next workshop.
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