How Pollinators Power The Planet
Where would we bee without pollinators? Small but mighty, these creatures play a critical role in our ecosystem and, by extension, our economy, including tourism and hospitality. According to the Pollinator Partnership, “pollinators contribute $217 billion to the global economy,” nearly equivalent to the entire GDP of Greece in 2022 (World Bank). This figure doesn’t even capture the many indirect ways we benefit from pollinators, including through ecosystem services that provide intangible social, cultural, and environmental value. Without them, we’d have no seasonal dishes to savor from our favorite farm-to-fork restaurants, no farm tours or flora-filled nature walks, and none of the award-winning local products that we love!
Pollinators come in all shapes and sizes, from bees and butterflies to hummingbirds, bats, beetles, and even some reptiles! Unfortunately, many pollinators have experienced a population decline over the last century. Pollinator Partnership notes that “loss in feeding and nesting habitats… pollution, the misuse of chemicals, disease, and changes in climatic patterns” are all contributing factors that threaten our pollinators, especially native species like the American Bumblebee.
There are many ways to support our pollinators. One of the best things you can do is use native plants in your gardens and landscaping projects. In fact, nearly two years ago, the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) announced a policy directing departments and local governments to use native plants. The press release also encouraged others, including homeowners, businesses, and government agencies, to establish native plant gardens.
Pollinator Partnership shares 6 other vital ways to get involved, including:
- Reducing/eliminating pesticide use.
- Becoming a Bee Friendly Garden Member.
- Educating friends, family, and your community.
- Supporting local bees and beekeepers.
- Conserving resources.
- Getting involved with organizations that support pollinators.
How to Celebrate Pollinator Week
#PollinatorWeek, observed annually in mid-June, serves as a poignant reminder to appreciate and protect our pollinator friends. We encourage our visitors to celebrate, not just this week but all season long, with tastings and tours, farmers’ market visits, picnics and cookouts, and, of course, local honey.
Rocky River Bees
NC and EAS Master Beekeeper and “honey sommelier” Jody Moore owns Rocky River Bees, producing honey at hives throughout Chatham County, including MOSAIC at Chatham Park. Jody has won Blue Ribbons for his two entries into the N.C. State Fair for six consecutive years, and his honey has been recognized as the No. 1 Extracted Honey in Eastern North America. You can find Rocky River Bees honey at nearly a dozen stores across Chatham County, as well as our area’s newest hotel, the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Pittsboro.
Starrlight Mead & Cider
Sip and savor award-winning honey wine at North Carolina’s oldest meadery, Starrlight Mead and Cider. Their mead is made with honey from North Carolina bees. Starrlight hosts many events, including tastings and tours, mead-making workshops, and monthly meetings for the Chatham County Beekeepers Association.
Mellow Marsh Farm and Rachel’s Native Plants
Mellow Marsh Farm in Siler City and Rachel’s Native Plants, located at The Plant in Pittsboro, are both Chatham County nurseries specializing in native plants. Their knowledgeable teams are available to listen and provide recommendations tailored to your specific needs, including pollinator and bird-friendly landscaping.
Pollinator Demonstration Garden
There are numerous pollinator gardens throughout Chatham County, including those located at The Plant and the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center. The Pollinator Paradise Demonstration Garden at Chatham Marketplace features over 225 species of perennials, trees, shrubs, vines, and grasses, 85% of which are native to North Carolina. The garden is open from sunrise to sunset every day, with guided tours available on select days throughout the year. Drop by nearby Chatham Marketplace or The Sycamore at Chatham Mills for farm-to-table cuisine.
Farmers Markets
Throughout most of the year, Chatham County hosts Farmers’ Markets Tuesday-Saturday, including year-round markets in Pittsboro, Fearrington Village, and Briar Chapel (Chapel Hill). Find markets in our area in “Farms, Food, Frolic.”
Farm-To-Fork Dining
Farm-to-fork or farm-to-table – no matter what you call it, our area hosts several award-winning eateries featuring seasonal dishes that wouldn’t be possible without pollinators. Discover tastings and tours, wine-pairing dinners, and food festivals at restaurants throughout our area in “Farms, Food, Frolic.”
Picnics and Cookouts
Venture to Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, the American Tobacco Trail, or one of our many other natural areas and trails for a hike or bike ride. Then, reward yourself with a pop-up picnic or cookout featuring some of these great local products. Or, skip the workout and head straight to The Plant, Chatham Marketplace and the Pollinator Garden, Downtown Pittsboro’s Pop-Up Park, or For Garden’s Sake for a relaxing afternoon in the sun.
Check out local organizations supporting pollinators, such as the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program and the Chatham County Beekeepers Association. Chatham County Cooperative Extension provides a complete list of beekeeping resources here.
