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Why is Pollination Important?

Pollinators play important roles in biodiversity, crop production, and even the economy. A 2014 economic impact study by University of Georgia experts determined that the annual value of pollination to Georgia is over $360 million. Even better? The services pollinators provide is totally free.

Pollination is key to seed production, and without pollinators like hummingbirds, bees, ants, butterflies, wasps, and many others, our favorite fruits and vegetables would never make it to our tables. Pollinators are also key to the survival of wild plant species, they help to control pests that destroy agricultural crops and they help in decomposition, which is extremely important in crop production because the process aerates the soil.

Although wasps, ants, and bees don’t yield warm and fuzzy feelings for most people, that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. Pollinator populations are decreasing. Not only in population, but also in diversity. Research from UGA is helping to identify not only the reasons behind the decline, but also what homeowners can do to help them.


Guidelines and How-Tos


Protecting Pollinators Video

Here's how you can help Georgia's pollinator populations.


Related Programs from UGA Extension


  • Master Beekeeper A program to increase knowledge of bees and beekeeping.
  • On-Site and Telephone Consultation Available in many county offices for ag producers.
  • On-Site and Telephone Consultation Available in many situations for home owners and consumers.
  • Pesticide Safety Education Program Topics include pest identification, storage and disposal, pesticide drift and runoff prevention, water quality protection, and food safety.
  • Structural Pest Management Program The Structural Pest Management Program on the UGA Griffin campus is dedicated to the continuing education and training of employees of all of Georgia's pest management companies. Annually, more than 65 continuing education hours are available to Georgia's registered and certified pest management company employees through a multitude of training programs.

News from UGA Extension


Native plants are the best habitat and food source for pollinators but they can be hard to find at garden centers or hardware stores.
State pollinator protection efforts focus on pollinator plant availability Native plants are the best habitat and food source for pollinators but they can be hard to find at garden centers or hardware stores.

Related UGA Websites

Connect to Protect This program assists gardeners in creating pollinator spaces and allows them to certify their gardens.

UGA Bee Program Information on beekeeping in Georgia, honey bee research, and graduate studies.

UGA Department of Entomology Learn more about the entomology department at the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Sustainable Agriculture at UGA Brings together information on sustainable agriculture including organic agriculture, pollinators, and other resources.


Pollinator Coloring sheets 

Click the image to download the PDF file to print. (Designs by Alafia Adeleke)


Wildflower Coloring Sheet line artWildflower Coloring Sheet
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly Coloring SheetEastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly Coloring Sheet