Minnesota’s Pollinators

Pollination happens when wind, water, or wildlife carry pollen from the anther (male part) to the stigma (female part) of flowers. Almost 90% of the world’s flowering plant species rely on animal pollinators.

Pollinators help us to enjoy well-balanced diets and healthy ecosystems.

They provide nutritious fruits, vegetables, and nuts like blueberries, squash, and almonds. This food is important for wildlife, too. Black bears, for example, eat raspberries that are pollinated by bumble bees.

Pollinators also create stable environments. They pollinate plants that stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. These plants can buffer waterways, store carbon, and provide habitat for other wildlife. Plus, flowering landscapes are beautiful. Without pollinators, our environment would look very different.

Agents of Pollination…