Adding plant diversity to create and enhance pollinator habitat on farms and in other landscapes benefits broad communities of wildlife by enhancing insect diversity. Besides benefitting farm production, insect diversity is vital for other wildlife—for birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

This document is provided primarily as a guidance tool for NRCS planners in Arkansas. Landowners with an interest in enhancing diversity on their farms for improving pollination and pest management will also find it valuable. It focuses on native bees, the most important crop pollinators in temperate North America, but also addresses the habitat needs of butterflies, hummingbirds, and other insects beneficial to agriculture (e.g., predatory and parasitoid insects that reduce crop pest populations). Enhancing habitat for native pollinators also supports European honey bee health.

Addendum

Some of the Appendices have been reformatted to fit letter-sized paper for easier at-home or -office printing. Both the screen-friendly and printer-friendly versions include the Addendum at the end of the document, which can be omitted from printing. 

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