Pollinator Pockets

What Are Pollinators?

Pollinators are animals that transfer pollen between plants, helping them grow and reproduce. Common pollinators include birds, bats, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, small mammals, and bees. They help sustain ecosystems and produce natural resources. Healthy pollinator populations lead to a natural environment that flourishes. 

How Does Pollination Work?

Pollen moves from the anther to the stigma. The anther is the male part of the plant and the stigma is the female part. The flower produces seeds or fruit, which allows more plants to grow later. Pollinators carry pollen on their bodies, helping it travel farther and reach more plants.

Pollination Process

What Are the Benefits of Pollinators?

Most plants need help with pollination. Pollinators help with the growth of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Pollinators support plant growth, which helps clean the air and support other wildlife.

How Can You Help?

One way to help is to plant pollinator-friendly plants in your garden. Avoid using pesticides or herbicides that kill pollinator plants or animals. Add natural habitat spaces into lawns, urban parks, or farmland. Another way to help is to support farmers and beekeepers by purchasing local honey and vegetables. Ultimately, spread the word about pollinators to your friends and family!

Garden

Existing Manhattan Parks and Recreation Pollinator Pockets

The MHKPRD park system contains multiple existing areas with pollinator vegetation. For example, Warner Memorial Park offers one of the largest expanses of undeveloped open space within the City of Manhattan. Have you been to this park? Check out this hidden gem located off of Warner Park Road on the west side of town.

Warner
MHKPRD also wants to recognize more than just our Parks. The Sunset Zoo and the Flint Hills Discovery Center strive to create pollinator habitats. Want to know more? Visit them!
Zoo
Discover

What Next?

The Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department plans to expand Pollinator Pockets throughout the Parks system. Some of our other parks have great potential to incorporate native pollinator vegetation. MHKPRD enjoys working with local organizations whenever we can. In the near future, we will release a Pollinator Pockets report with more information on this new initiative.