Conservation of Native Pollinators in DuPage County Andres Ortega Ecologist Natural Resources Good morning President Cantore, good morning commissioners. My presentation today is regarding the conservation of native pollinators in DuPage County.

Major Pollinators of DuPage County Insects Bees, Wasps, Hornets Butterflies Moths Beetles Flies Birds Hummingbirds DuPage County is home to numerous pollinators, including species of bees, wasps, hornets, butterflies, moths, beetles and flies. Some birds, such as the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, also function as pollinators.

Pollinator Benefits and Issues Pollinate native plants Food source Aesthetic value Pollinator issues in DuPage County Habitat loss Invasive species Insecticide use Native pollinators provide a number of benefits, the most significant of which is increasing the abundance and health of native plants by serving as pollinators for these populations. In fact, studies show native bees are 2-3x more effective at pollination of native plants than are European honeybees (Garibaldi et al 2013). Pollinators also exist as a food source for many other animals. There is also an intrinsic aesthetic value of pollinators. The recognition and charismatic nature of many species raises awareness of other conservative species and District initiatives. However, pollinator populations are faced with a number of issues in DuPage County. In my opinion, habitat loss is the most significant threat facing pollinators today, as this fragments existing habitat and decreases host plants and nectar sources. Within remaining habitat, invasive species often dominate native plant species, further decreasing host plants and nectar sources. The use of insecticides has the potential to negatively impact pollinator populations (USGS map shows neonicotinoid use in U.S.A., picture is from Wilsonville, OR, largest bee kill from pesticide recorded [50,000]). As one example, some mosquito adulticides applied by municipalities and abatement districts, such as malathion and permethrin, are particularly toxic to pollinators. This is one reason why the District does not use these insecticides as part of the WNV program.

Monarch Butterflies FPDDC accomplishments Distributed 8,000 seed packets Monarch Waystation Yearly seed collection Milkweed: 82% of preserves To counteract these threats, the District has for many years administered a number of programs that promote pollinator health and conservation. One example is the various programs and initiatives enacted to raise awareness for and reverse the decline of Monarch Butterflies. Some brief highlights of the District’s efforts to support Monarchs include the distribution of 8,000 milkweed seed packets and the establishment of a Monarch waystation at Willowbrook in 2012,through the Monarch Watch group (based upon plant species/density and management practices). Additionally, seeds from various milkweed species (Swamp, Poke, Prairie, Purple, Butterfly, Common, Whorled, Short, Green) are collected and distributed across the district yearly. These seeds were widely distributed at the WB Mega Project (minimum 1oz/acre).

FPDDC Pollinator Conservation Baltimore Checkerspot (Pratt’s Wayne Woods) Turtlehead augmentation Mark/Recapture Regal Fritillary (Springbrook Prairie) Arrow-leaved Violets Hines Emerald Dragonfly (Waterfall Glen) In addition to the Monarch Butterfly, the District has established programs for other conservative pollinator species. The Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly is rare in the Chicago region, and in DuPage County is only found at Pratt’s Wayne Woods. This population is tracked by mark/recapture monitoring to obtain population data, and Turtlehead host plants are augmented within Checkerspot habitat. Though the state-threatened Regal Fritillary butterfly is not currently recorded in the District, habitat has been created at Springbrook Prairie by planting Arrow-leaved violets, which are a host plant for the larvae of this species. HED is federally endangered dragonfly species with a small population at Waterfall Glen. While not a pollinator, improving pollinator habitat near to HED habitat will increase the abundance of many insects which serve as a food source for HED adults.

FPDDC Resource Management Plant augmentation Seed collection Native plugs Resource management Dead wood Waterway management Brush removal Invasive species control Prescription burns Deer Management Program Complimenting pollinator-specific programs, many other resource management projects benefit pollinators. Throughout the year, the District conducts various planting and seed collection projects (Wild Columbine, White Trout Lily, Prairie/Stiff Gentian, Blazing Star, many more), many of which are beneficial to native pollinators as larval host plants, adult nectar sources, and shelter for adults. Dead wood is often left undisturbed in forests as some bees burrow into and underneath the wood for shelter, especially during the winter. Waterway management is critical as they function as bathing and drinking sources. Brush removal promotes the establishment of native plants, as do prescription burns. The deer management program decreases browse on native flowering plants (Lilys, Trillium, Orchid, Jacobs Ladder), increasing host plants and nectar sources.

Beneficial FPDDC Programs Land Acquisition Monitoring Education and Partnerships Pollinator Partnership Member Monarch Watch Pollinator Workshops HED Working Group Butterfly Ambassador Program Land acquisition, volunteer programs, education programs and professional partnerships also benefit pollinators. In my opinion, land acquisition is the most important aspect of protecting pollinators in DuPage County as this directly increases and protects existing habitat. Volunteer monitoring projects track pollinator populations on District property and include butterfly monitors (9-14 per year, since 2000), rare plant monitors (since 2001) and dragonfly monitors (3-5 per year, since 2003). Baseline Insect Surveys (2004) confirm presence/absence of remnant-dependent pollinator species. Professional partnerships also facilitate District efforts to protect pollinators. As just a few examples of the many partnerships the District maintains, we have joined with the Pollinator Partnership in an effort to promote pollinator awareness and conservation, we have coordinated with Monarch Watch to establish the Monarch Waystation at Willowbrook, hosted a pollinator workshop at Mayslake, and are involved with the HED working group at Waterfall Glen to restore and create federally endangered HED habitat, which includes the USFWS. Also, the volunteer butterfly ambassadors tended to plantings at Willowbrook.

FPDDC as Continuing Pollinator Stewards Continuing regional leader in resource management Be at the forefront of species protection Community involvement Seed packets Workshops Youth programs Into the future, the District should continue to be a regional leader and innovator in resource management, continuing to develop programs that protect and reverse declines of pollinator populations. The District needs to be at the forefront of species protection, identifying newly threatened and listed species and developing management plans for these species. The seed packets which were distributed in 2015 should be revisited, as this was excellent for community involvement, increasing recognition of the District and augmenting pollinator habitat. Finally, educational and youth programs should continue their excellence in informing the residents of DuPage County about the issues facing pollinators, and how they can help. Thank you for your time, and I would be happy to answer any questions!