Nature’s Little Helpers
Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators are the unsung heroes behind Washington’s sweet cherries and juicy pears.
IN THE LUSH ORCHARDS AND FERTILE FIELDS of the Pacific Northwest, an unseen workforce plays a crucial role in the production of our favorite foods: pollinators. Bees, bats, butterflies, birds, and other pollinating insects are not just a picturesque part of the landscape, they are essential to the region's agriculture and food security.
It's hard to even imagine a world without pollinators. Pears, cherries, apples, berries, and many other crops that thrive in our region would simply cease to exist in their current abundance.
Many plants require both male parts (called the anther) and female parts (called the stigma) to reproduce, similar to mammals or other animals. In plants, the anther produces pollen dust, which needs to find its way to the stigma in order for the plant to make fruits, flowers, or seeds.
Take cherries, for example. These delicious fruits depend heavily on pollinators like bees. Each flower must be visited by a pollinator to ensure proper fertilization and the development of plump, juicy cherries. Pears, another Washington staple, also rely on efficient pollination to produce the full, sweet fruits we enjoy year-round.
Recognizing the indispensable role of pollinators, farmers in Washington are employing various practices to support and encourage these vital creatures. One of the most common methods is the planting of pollinator-friendly habitats around orchards and fields. These areas include wildflower strips, native plantings, and hedgerows that provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for bees and other pollinators throughout the growing season.
Planting diverse crops and leaving some land fallow are other common practices that Washington farmers use to encourage pollinators. When there are not enough natural pollinators in an area, farmers can also hire beekeepers to bring hives into their fields or
orchards for days or weeks at a time.
The influence of pollinators extends beyond the farms and orchards into the grocery stores and kitchens of consumers. When pollination is successful, fruits and vegetables develop more uniformly, with better flavor, texture, and nutritional content. Pears, apples, and cherries, for instance, are not only more abundant but also larger and sweeter when pollinated effectively.
Moreover, diverse pollinator populations contribute to the resilience of agricultural ecosystems. By promoting biodiversity and ecological balance, pollinators help ensure the long-term sustainability of our food production systems.
As residents of the Evergreen State, we are fortunate to live in a region where agriculture and natural beauty converge. The tireless work of pollinators makes the abundance of our orchards and the vibrancy of our crops possible. By understanding their importance and supporting efforts to conserve them, we can ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the bounty of our lands. So the next time you bite into a sweet pear or savor a handful of cherries, remember to thank the pollinators that make it all possible. Their contribution is truly the hidden treasure of our agricultural heritage.
