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Following is information about work that has been done around Hastings to provide and enhance native vegetation, especially flowering attractants for Bees and Butterflies and other tiny insects that pollinate our fruits and other plants, we, a HEP group would like to give people the opportunity to become more aware of the importance of our native plants.
As we have developed several of these small areas we are monitoring their effect. The areas are on city, county and private land. They vary in size from a few square feet to a patch as large as a 10th of an acre.
The areas are aptly named Pollinator Patches. And they are relatively small and scattered around the city of Hastings. There are about 8 of them. I say about because some have been degraded due to needed upkeep that has not always happened. Some tracts are in private yards. In my own experience I have seen a multitude of pollinators that have been attracted to these areas, which includes a variety of Bumblebees as well as regular honeybees. While Bees and especially bumblebees are fascinating to watch it is the variety of butterflies that catch a good share of my attention. Of course, the best-known butterfly is the Monarch. Have you ever seen the pupa stage of the Monarch? These patches have provided the habitat for this fascinating stage of the Monarch development. Of course there are many other species of Butterflies. Swallowtails, which includes a variety of species, are fascinating because of their colors and variety of patterns. Also, many smaller species such as the Admirals, Mourning Cloak, and other species. I have already seen the large Bumblebee and some smaller Bees buzzing my wild Plum trees and other flowering vegetation. A few small Butterflies are showing up but the larger (Monarch size) I have not yet seen. So, keep your eyes open for the large variety of Pollinators that are available to view and enhance your summer enjoyment.