National Pollinator Week Brings Focus to Vital Nevada Ecosystems

Did you know that approximately one out of every three bites of food you eat depends on the work of a "pollinator”? Pollinators – such as bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, and hummingbirds – are a keystone species in Nevada, supporting healthy wildlands, ecosystem diversity, and a nutritious food supply. In recognition of National Pollinator Week, June 18-24, 2024, the Nevada Division of Natural Heritage (NDNH) is helping to document Nevada’s pollinators and educate the public about the vital role they play in supporting our natural environment.

Nevada is home to thousands of native pollinator species, including highly efficient native bees whose fuzzy bodies excel at gathering and transferring pollen. The state also hosts over 600 butterfly and moth species. These range from generalists to specialists like the yucca moth, which uniquely pollinates Joshua trees and other yucca species vital to the Mojave Desert ecosystem. Protecting these pollinators and their habitats is essential for maintaining Nevada’s diverse and healthy ecosystems.

“The Nevada Division of Natural Heritage is committed to providing data and expertise needed to support preservation of critical ecosystems like wetlands, vital for our environment’s health and diversity,” said Jamey McClinton, Administrator of NDNH. “These ecosystems support a wide array of wildlife, including essential pollinators and the plant species upon which they depend. By taking steps such as planting flowers native to your region of Nevada, reducing pesticide use, and joining conservation efforts, we can enhance pollinator populations and their habitats. Our collective actions will contribute to a healthier and more resilient environment for future generations.”

Nevada’s pollinators are essential to the health of the State’s agriculture, natural resources, and quality of life. Unfortunately, several pollinator species in Nevada have undergone severe declines in recent years, with threats posed by dwindling wetland habitats, invasive species, and wildland fires. NDNH continues to actively monitor, track, and provide vital data on pollinator species of concern throughout the State.

Interested in helping to protect Nevada’s pollinators?

• To help identify the locations and species of pollinators in your area, take photos of pollinator species and upload the images to the iNaturalist App, available on Android and Apple devices. By recording and sharing your observations, you'll create research quality data for area scientists working to better understand and protect our natural world.
• Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals in gardens and lawns.
• Create a pollinator-friendly garden. Wildflowers and flowering shrubs are the primary food sources for pollinators. Plant native wildflowers in your garden, and/or replace your lawn with native flora.
• The Nevada Division of Forestry operates two nurseries, located in Washoe County and Las Vegas, which offer native and adapted plants for purchase. To learn more, visit forestry.nv.gov/ndf-state-forest-nurseries/