Whelan’s Landscaping has been busy with the Outdoor Learning Space at the front entrance on Cornelia. A gate between the playground and the east section has been installed, a brick paver path added and the Pollinator Boxes were erected earlier this week and already we are seeing beneficial bees visiting our space! Our Outdoor Spaces Committee Volunteers and several Hamilton Families have been planning for, building, and decorating these Pollinator Boxes for the last several months and it is exciting to see these elements come together.
Why are pollinators important for cities?
Insect pollinators are important for our urban environment by facilitating plant biodiversity. They are essential for seed production by wild plants as well as trees, flowers, and vegetables grown in gardens throughout Chicago. Pollinators support healthy ecosystems, particularly by helping plants to produce fruits and seeds which birds and other animals rely on. Pollinating insects include honey bees, bumblebees, solitary bees, wasps, hoverflies and other flies, butterflies, moths, and beetles.
As our Outdoor Learning Space continues to develop native plants will be included to encourage beneficial insects to visit the space. The Pollinator Boxes and the surrounding plant life provide a habitat to wildlife by providing food, water, shelter, and places to raise young.
Pollinator populations have been declining, and that’s bad news for us and the ecosystem. Without pollinators, many of the foods, beverages, fibers, spices and medicines we use daily wouldn’t be possible. You can help by reducing your impact, planting for pollinators, and spreading the word!
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has information on how you can reduce your impact and fun pollinator facts which you can tell a friend, and spread the word!