Pollinators play a critical role in natural and agricultural ecosystems, both for
the reproduction of native plants and for crop production.

A Honeybee on an allium in our Shelton History Center Herb Garden

Many kinds of animals are pollinators, including hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies and wasps as well as bees. Bees are the most important pollinators of many crops and a broad range of other flowering plants.

Almost 80% of the 1,400 crop plants grown around the world that produce all of our food and plant-based industrial products require pollination by animals.

In return for a delicious meal, these animals help the plants reproduce by moving pollen between the male (anther) and female (stigma) parts of a flower. This act of pollination is the first step in generating seeds, which create new plants.

Check the “Gallery” tab to see our Summer Civic Gardens.