Bats, bees, birds and butterflies make billions

What do bats, bees, birds and butterflies have in common? Besides starting with the letter B, they are all examples of pollinators. These animals move pollen between plants for fertilization, sustaining plant life and contributing to stable and resilient ecosystems.  

In fact, over 180,000 different plant species and more than 1,200 crops around the world need pollinators to survive. Pollinator Partnership, a nonprofit that specializes in pollinator education and health, reports pollinators add $217 billion to the global economy. They’re essential. That’s why Pollinator Partnership started Pollinator Week. Held annually, the goal is to educate about the benefits of pollinators, raise awareness about threats to their health and spread the word about what we can do to protect them.  

Pollinators face a variety of threats including pesticide use, drought, habitat destruction, air pollution, climate change and more. We rely on pollinators for almost everything we grow to eat and drink, including apples, almonds, coffee and even margaritas. CNN recently reported climate-related strains from extreme drought to deadly storms are taking a toll on the bats that help pollinate the agave plants used for tequila and mezcal. 

Outside the food and beverage industry, pollinators facilitate the reproduction of wild plants, contributing to the health of natural ecosystems through water purification, supporting soil fertility and reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.  

At Alliant Energy, we work hard to help pollinators thrive. At our solar sites, we plant pollinator-friendly habitats, native grasses and pollinator mixes underneath, between and around solar panels. These plants enrich the soil and provide habitats for bees, butterflies, beetles, bats and other flower-friendly creatures.  

The native grasses we plant at our solar sites can also be a great home for ground-nesting birds. As part of our routine maintenance plan, prior to cutting any grass, we have a qualified biologist walk the site to look for nesting birds in our grasses or pollinator habitats to ensure their safety and longevity. 

The importance of pollinators in the environment cannot be overstated. They are essential for functioning ecosystems, food production and the economy. Protecting and conserving pollinators is crucial to ensure the sustainability of both natural and human-made systems. Learn more about what you can do to help us work together to sustain our pollinators and create thriving ecosystems.