Cornell Cooperative Extension

Sullivan County
Gardens provide food sources and habitat for pollinators.
Image by Barb Neal

Monarch butterfly populations have decreased so it's important to plant milkweed

Pollinators in sunflower field, Pittsford, NY

Pollinators,like bees, birds, & bats play a crucial role in flowering plant reproduction

Rare simultaneous photo of pre-emergent butterfly, chrysalis, pre-pupa, and final instar caterpillar of the black swallowtail
Image by Ansel Oommen, Bugwood-UGA

Life cycle of the black swallowtail: pre-emergent butterfly, chrysalis, pre-pupa, and caterpillar

hover fly on forget-me-not flower
Image by Anja Osenberg

Hover flies on a cluster of forget-me-nots

Pollinators

A landscape made up simply of mowed lawn and a couple of trees won't provide the food and shelter that native bees and butterflies need to thrive and reproduce.  80% of flowering plants need insects for adequate pollination.  Various species of butterflies, moths, wasps, flies, beetles, bees, and hummingbirds are all pollinators and they need a variety of native plants to provide nectar as food as well as specific native host plants to provide food and shelter for their young.  

  By making your landscape more complex, you can turn your yard and garden into a welcoming habitat that will benefit our native pollinators, support wildlife and the food web -- and reward you many times over!

Contact

Katie Gasior
Horticulture Subject Educator
kmg287@cornell.edu
(845) 292-6180 Ext. 123

Last updated June 3, 2025

Gardening

Identifying Native Pollinators

The Butterflies & Moths of North America website lists common butterflies of New York State. The site provides photos of larvae and adults, describes their life cycle, and lists preferred habitat and food sources. 

How You Can Help

Pollinators need your help! There is increasing evidence that many pollinators are in decline. However, there are some simple things you can do at home to encourage pollinator diversity and abundance.

1) Plant a Pollinator Garden

2) Provide Nesting Sites

Learn more at the US Fish & Wildlife Service page on pollinators.

Lost Ladybug Project

Visit Cornell University's The Lost Ladybug Project online and learn how your photos can help scientists keep track of both new and native ladybug species in your neighborhood.