According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, plants serve as the foundations of our ecosystems, and over 80% of flowering plants require pollination services. When you hear the word pollinator, bees might be the first thing that come to mind, but there are a variety of different pollinators that help trees, wildflowers and locally grown crops reproduce and flourish. In addition to bees, other insects like butterflies, flies, moths, beetles, and wasps can serve as pollinators. Even birds, bats, small mammals, and lizards can act as pollinators.
To help pollinators on the Landmarks, Irvine Ranch Conservancy is preparing a Butterfly Enhancement Project in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon to help local butterflies on the decline. The IRC team has identified seven areas of land where they will plant and tend to native species that butterflies rely on to survive.
Next time you are out exploring the trails, keep an eye out for local pollinators and thank them for the work they do! For more information about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and local pollinators, visit IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.