Despite these troubling times our world has come to, it’s important for us to not only think about ourselves but of the environment around us.
It is no secret that together we have the ability to create a healthy green world our descendants can live in. One way in which we can strive to reach such a place is to lend a helping hand to the population growth of bees and butterflies.
This spring, there is going to be a change in the landscape at the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District’s Bayview Avenue property.
Beautiful blooming wildflowers and milkweed will welcome the declining butterfly and bee populations. In an effort to give nature a hand, bee and butterfly houses will be planted around the property to give shelter to these important species.
“The implementation of bee and butterfly houses is just one small way that Great Neck Water Pollution Control District can assist in the revitalization of these declining species,” explains Commissioners Steve Reiter and Patty Katz. “We recognize the importance of the bees and butterflies, and it is imperative that we all do what we can to support these two species.”
Greenpeace states that honeybees alone perform 80% of all pollination worldwide. 90% of the world’s nutrition and one in three bites of food are due to the tireless work of these bees.
However, they are disappearing at an alarming rate. Without them, we will no longer have many of our existing fauna. Due to habitat loss, pesticides, air pollution, and global warming, the number of bee colonies per acre has declined 90% and Monarch Butterfly colonies have decreased by 99%.
The Monarch butterfly population has declined to dangerous proportions verging on extinction. Milkweed is the host plant for the monarchs and without milkweed, the larva would not be able to develop into a butterfly. But these plants are rapidly disappearing as well.
Both milkweed and nectar plants will be available with proper social distancing at the following local nurseries:
• L S Garden Mart – 82 Horace Harding Blvd, Great Neck, NY 11020 (516) 487-9389
• Distefano’s Nursery – 1056 Northern Blvd, Roslyn, NY 11576 (516) 627-3524
“Great Neck Water Pollution Control District urges residents to take steps in assisting the bees and butterflies,” says Commissioner Patty Katz. “We hope that everyone will be aware of the impact their actions have on these species. Great Neck is hopeful that we can make a large impact by doing small things around the community.”
To help save the bees as well as the declining Monarch butterfly population there are a few simple steps residents can take.
• Do not use dangerous pesticides and herbicides.
• Plant milkweed and nectar foliage in your gardens and lawn.
• Place smooth rocks in sunny parts of your garden that will give the butterfly a warm place to rest and recharge.
• Shrubs, trees and vines will provide shelter for both bees and butterflies
