Protecting Pollinators: How to Save the Creatures that Feed Our World

by Jodi Helmer

We should thank a pollinator at every meal. These diminutive creatures fertilize a third of the crops we eat. Yet half of the 200,000 species of pollinators are threatened. Birds, bats, insects, and many other pollinators are disappearing, putting our entire food supply in jeopardy. In North America and Europe, bee populations have already plummeted by more than a third and the population of butterflies has declined 31 percent.

Protecting Pollinators explores why the statistics have become so dire and how they can be reversed. Jodi Helmer breaks down the latest science on environmental threats and takes readers inside the most promising conservation initiatives. Efforts include famers reducing pesticides, cities creating butterfly highways, volunteers ripping up invasive plants, gardeners planting native flowers, and citizen scientists monitoring migration. 

Along with inspiring stories of revival and lessons from failed projects, readers will find practical tips to get involved. They will also be reminded of the magic of pollinators—not only the iconic monarch and dainty hummingbird, but the drab hawk moth and homely bats that are just as essential. Without pollinators, the world would be a duller, blander place. Helmer shows how we can make sure they are always fluttering, soaring, and buzzing around us.
 

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Animals, Nature

232 pages, Paperback

Published April 18, 2019

Reviews

[Matt]

The coronavirus has changed the world in ways most of us were not expecting; I don’t need to further emphasize its importance and consequences, immediate and future. And yet, climate change continues, and all of those challenges remain. Among everything else tied to climate change, the conservation of pollinator species and the plants they are even more closely tied to also remain in flux. Protecting Pollinators, by Jodi Helmer, is a practical and readable book that covers the issues pollinators face, why they’re important, and what we can do. She explains that they are more than just honeybees and almonds, Monarch butterflies and milkweed, which get the same proportion of attention here as elsewhere. Native bees and other insects, along with hummingbirds and bats are also given their due. Helmer explains, in multiple ways, why native plants are the best choice, and why pesticides can be so detrimental, putting them in context from at-home to larger agricultural scales. The last chapter especially goes into citizen science, and may be the most encouraging portion for readers. While the book is not so much about food, it doesn’t need to be. This book is a concise review of the small animals that work for us, without which we wouldn’t have any food. When these issues are properly taken into consideration, we can hope for better health of the systems that produce our food. And even from home, there are ways we citizens can contribute to conservation efforts.

Thanks go to Island Press for providing this book in exchange for a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pollinator numbers in the wild have been decreasing.  With most of our food sources relying on one pollinator or another, this is a problem that we all have to be aware of and begin solving. Protecting Pollinators: How to Save the Creatures that Feed Our World  presents the information on our declining pollinator species including insects, birds and bats.  Told through stories and specific studies, the information is presented in a way that is interesting and easy to understand.  Each study highlighted focuses on a different species and cause for their decrease.  Focused mainly on native pollinators in the Western Hemisphere and the invasive species that pose a threat to them from the Eastern Hemisphere, this book will mainly appeal to people in North America.  In addition to learning more about the ecology of our many native pollinators, I enjoyed learning about the people who are fighting for them, the studies they are carrying out and what I can do to help these animals myself.  Inspiring, enlightening and easy to follow, Protecting Pollinators presents what is happening to our pollinators, why it is happening and how we have to help them now.

[Megan W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved that the writer isn’t a beekeeper or in the industry of pollinators, chemicals or sugar. Helmet relies on studies and experts from all sides to show a true zeitgeist of pollinators, habitat and the work to help them.

Must read for anyone interested in “saving the bees” maybe you’ll rip up your lawn and plant some native flowers instead

Minor criticism:Helmer does not speak to how heavy cotton uses chemical fertilizer, pesticides and water in a small excerpt about cotton farmers.

When discussing projects in places outcomes are not discussed. I.e. Honey Conversancy’s “Sponsor-A-Hive” doesn’t mention numbers or longevity of a hive which in community or school settings are very hard to maintain without a knowledgeable beekeeper

[Zulugoat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating in its content and insights however I really could not give it a better rating for the following main reasons:
1- poorly structured
2- basically US/North America focused despite what the title says
3- extensive annoying use of boxed vignettes throughout the book, which present quick info on topics which are completely unrelated to the subject of the main text (extremely distracting)

Having said that, Jodi is definitely a talented writer and I commend her for addressing this important topic.

[LostAlias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pollinators are more than just bees and I loved the info on bats throughout. I learned a lot more about butterflies and nesting grounds, and the added reminder to support native plants and how important those are. Really great information though it reads like a textbook sometimes. The box inset info had a great ‘voice’ and that info was easily absorbed and enjoyed.

I especially liked the Helping without hurting chapter.

[Brittney Flinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book isn't bad by any means - and I would recommend it to anyone new and interested in pollinators, but if you're more experienced or have read a few books on pollinators before, there isn't a ton of new information (Loved the section on citizen science though!).

[H. Givens · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content seems fine if you have a use for it, it's just not very interesting to sit and read.

[Fabiola Del Aguila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive review of protection and history of pollinator research.

[Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite all over the shop in terms of how it outlays information, Helmer still provides some thought provoking ideas and insights into keeping pollinators pollinating.

[Erin Hoops · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book. There is some practical advice here. I am sad to learn that there are some aspects I likely can’t fix myself. I’m inspired to do what I can for the pollinators though.

[Semele · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly researched and written, repetitive, incredibly basic.

[Eli · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book free from Island Press in exchange for a review.

Protecting Pollinators tries to shed some light on the often-overlooked topic of pollinators and the critical role they play in agricultural systems and ecosystems alike. Despite the bee displayed prominently on the cover, author Jodi Helmer writes extensively about numerous other pollinator species that don't have the same public prominence, and the book does a great job of emphasizing just how important these species are. Protecting Pollinators also deserves a lot of credit for the solutions it presents, which includes easy steps all of us can taken in our daily lives. The discussion of solutions also feels like an integral part of the book rather than a condescending afterthought.

My main issue with the book is that it's unfortunately not all that interesting as part of my regular daily reading. I like my daily reading books to draw me in, and despite the importance of the topic, the writing of this book failed to do that. I would absolutely recommend this book for someone trying to do research on pollinators, since it is packed with accessible information. However, as far as an engrossing nonfiction book, it misses the mark.