By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist
Several state agencies and organizations will highlight the importance of pollinators and voluntary land stewardship during Soil and Water Conservation week, which is set for April 29 through May 6.
Pollinators include birds, bees and other insects and small mammals that are vital for production agriculture, the food supply and the preservation of natural resources.
“Unfortunately, pollinator populations have been declining in the United States for several years, primarily due to loss of habitat,” according to a press release from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB). “Thankfully, there are many landowners in Texas that want pollinators on their property.”
TSSWCB said pollinators are crucial for productive agricultural ecosystems, ensuring the production of fruit and seeds in many crops, grasses and timber. Pollinators also play a role in natural rangeland ecosystems by helping to keep plant communities healthy and reproducing.
The five Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) will assist farmers and ranchers with regenerating pollinator populations by developing voluntary conservation plans. The plans consist of the implementation of conservation practices that benefit the ecosystem by both protecting natural resources and providing pollinator habitats.
TSSWCB stressed the importance of maintain a strong pollinator population to the future of agriculture and society.
“Without healthy and productive rangeland, cropland and forests, our pollinators will fail, production agriculture will fail and our society will ultimately fail,” the release said.
For more information on Soil and Water Stewardship Week, as well as soil and water conservation news, visit TSSWCB’s website.