Pollinators on the Prairie

When it comes to life and learning on the prairie, there are few creatures more near and dear to our hearts than our pollinator friends. They are essential to life and growth here on the farm and in communities around the world.

While bees have certainly become the “poster-creature” for pollinators, countless other insects, birds, bats and other small mammals help pollinate plants, as well.

This page serves as a virtual gathering place where you can get to know our local pollinators, up close and personal, follow us through a year of pollinators on the prairie (and their food sources) and learn more about what you can do to help.

WHY WE LOVE POLLINATORS

Did you know…

There are THOUSANDS of species of pollinators in Minnesota?
At least 75% of flowering plants need help from pollinators to reproduce – that translates to over 180,000 plant species around the world
One of every three bites of food you eat relies on pollinators – from fruits, veggies and nuts to grains that feed cattle
We also rely on pollinators for oil, fibers and other raw materials

Humans, as well as many other wild creatures, rely on food produced with the help of our pollinator friends.

They take care of us, so we want to help take care of them, too!

OUR STORY

About 20 years ago, we tired of seeing the harmful effects of pesticides and herbicides in and around Prairie Horizons Farm, including harm to our local pollinators, and began the transition to grass-based organic agriculture.

We now focus on organic practices in our pastures, gardens and orchard and have grown passionate about the native and restored prairies that surround us.

WHY Join Hands for Pollinators?

Since 2010, we have invited friends, neighbors and community members in “wake up” Joraan’s Orchard as a tribute to our son and a way to celebrate the start of a new growing season.

On May 7, 2016, as we gathered, a pesticide sprayer arrived, as well – uninvited and unable to be persuaded otherwise.

The strong, gusty wind that day blew this unwanted spray in the direction of the orchard and the people gathered there.

Now, each spring, we join hands in solidarity and learn more about how to protect our pollinators, ourselves, our children and our future.

A YEAR OF POLLINATORS

While we hope this page will be a place to share our story, experiences and inspire you to take action to protect our pollinators, locally and worldwide, we also to show you what it is we are so passionate about protecting.

Follow along with us as we share a year on the prairie, complete with photos and video of our busy helpers and the plants that support them. For most of us, we protect what we know and love. So here is a chance to get to know these tiny and amazing creatures – up close and personal!

SPRING

Birdsfoot violet, ground plum, hoary puccoon and plum trees are in bloom, attracting anthophorine bees, bumblebees, longtongued bees, skippers and butterflies.
The birdsfoot violet is also a host to fritillary butterflies, including the Regal Fritillary.

SUMMER

Blue-eyed grass attracts early flying pollinators and is more closely related to the iris than grasses.
Wild strawberries are a favorite among many pollinators…and who can blame them?
Medium-sized bees are the most common pollinators of the native Yellow Lady’s Slipper. They must be small enough to get in (and out of) the flower’s deep purse.

This sweet little prairie rose attracts ants, flower flies, and several types of bee. How could they resist?
The bright and beautiful prairie lily is pollinated primarily by large butterflies, like Swallowtails, Monarchs and Fritillaries.

AUTUMN

HOW WE SUPPORT POLLINATORS

We depend on native pollinators to span the season and they depend on us to make sure their food sources do too.

Native and restored prairie blooms from early spring to late fall, supplying food for pollinators all season long.

Controlled burns help to stimulate plant growth and diversity in a prairie ecosystem. On the farm, we are carefully never to burn more than 20% of our land in a single burn. This ensures that pollinators and other creatures have plenty of space to take refuge.

Our gardens, orchards and pastures are all certified organic. This means that the pollinators (as well as other creatures on our land and in the air and soil) are not exposed to pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

The lowly dandelion fills an early spring gap. feeding both pollinators and humans. It’s high in vitamin C and potassium, and makes a great spring salad.
A lovely cover crop of calendula feeds pollinators during the cool days of fall.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Learning about pollinators and helping to protect them can be a fun activity for the whole family! Here are some ideas to get you started:

undefined Learn more from Pollinator.org or the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

undefined Plant a pollinator garden. Even a few potted plants can make a difference

undefined Grow a flowering bee lawn.

undefined Involve the whole family! Find tips and activities at KidsGardening.org

undefined Contact your representatives and ask them to protect our pollinators. Find contact information here for your Representatives, Senators and the MN Governor’s office.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to build a farm-based system of healthy food production, processing and distribution that is economically sound, environmentally responsible and beneficial to future generations.