Atlantic Hyundai Blog | Learning About NY State's Pollinators and Supporting Local Apiaries, and Meaderies

We live, work, and play here just the same as you, and that’s why we love learning more about New York State and Long Island’s role in local agriculture and environmental impact. So since it’s National Pollinator Week, we’ll be sharing some great places to visit with your friends and family to learn more about pollinators and appreciate them! Most people know that bees and wasps are very important for crop pollination, but did you know that so many more creatures help as well?

That’s right! Bats, Birds, Beetles, Butterflies, Flies, Moths, and even small mammals can help pollinate plants, flowers, and crops! More than 90 different crops grown in the United States are dependent on insects for pollination. Everything from almonds, to berries to tree fruit to cotton depends on buzzy little workers like the honeybee! In fact, they’re vital to the economy and agriculture of New York State, as we are in the top 10 producers of specific veggies and fruits.

Without conservation efforts to protect pollinators, we would lose much of our industry, tourism, and food supply! New York State implemented a Pollinator Protection Plan to ensure that we can protect our environment and food, by monitoring the spread of disease, parasites, and pathogens. State officials are also working on protecting habitats and environment by reducing the use of neonicotinoids and insecticides/pesticides, introducing climate change legislature, and increasing protected habitats.

Learn more about National Pollinator Week from the US Department of the Interior:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W5myGZCxoQ

Check out this great video from New York Botanical Garden about Pollinators:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEQfr5rx1IQ

There are lots of ways that you can help support pollinator species in the area. Visiting the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park is a great way to learn about the diversity and conservation of butterfly species in New York, and one of the few places you can still see the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly. Our state is also home to 9 different bat species; adding a bat house to your property can give bats a safe roosting space, and encourage them to return to the area. It’s also important to adhere to posted signage for caves, forests, and mountains if there are roosting bat colonies nearby. Ensuring that you do not mow or cut flowering weeds and wildflowers can also give ample food for pollinators during early growing seasons. Or consider planting a pollinator garden made of local plant and flower species to encourage native pollinators to visit!

Additionally, supporting local businesses such as farm to table restaurants, meaderies, and local apiaries can help aid in conservation and preservation efforts as well as being a boon to agriculture. Check out our picks for great meaderies and apiaries in the area and consider making a purchase! Here are some fantastic businesses just a stone’s throw away in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania: