Pollinator Story: USDA National Resources Conservation Service

Pollinator habitat, and healthy pollinator populations, support and enhance natural resources vital for resilient landscapes and thriving agricultural communities. Pollinators are essential for our food supplies and for supporting wildlife populations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) funds targeted conservation efforts to increase pollinator habitat through Farm Bill programs such as the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Environmental Quality Enhancement Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). In the past three years, NRCS has invested more than $55 million to establish or enhance over 590,000 acres of pollinator habitat. Specialized seed mixes, such as the one below are used for habitat development by NRCS biologists.

The same habitat targeted for pollinator health also supports habitat for wild turkeys and other wildlife by providing food and habitat resources on agricultural lands. The technical and financial assistance provided by NRCS helps producers manage their lands by strategically locating conservation buffers, enhancing wetlands, and integrating diversity into pastures and rangelands.