Fans of Disney Parks know while “it’s tough to be a bug,” we need flies, beetles – and especially bees and butterflies – to help pollinate plants and flowers. From the food we eat to the air we breathe, pollinators do their “berry” best to help produce fruit or seeds necessary for our survival. In fact, more than 75 percent of the world’s crops rely on pollinators, but unfortunately, pollinators are experiencing a global decline due to habitat loss.
We are so enamored of our flower-fueling friends that we’ve created pollinator-friendly gardens throughout the resort, including a huge one within our newest 270-acre solar power facility – which is celebrating its one-year anniversary this week.
In honor of Earth Day, we’ve turned to one of the pollinator garden caregivers from the Disney’s Animal Sciences and Environment team, Disney Conservation Manager Dr. Zak Gezon, for tips to share with you on how to create pollinator-friendly gardens or garden areas at home. Dr. Zak was gracious enough to put together a short video from home featuring some easy, inexpensive tips to attract, encourage and nourish pollinators in your own backyard.
Get downloadable step-by-step instructions here.
Conservation Efforts
Dr. Zak and his team care for the numerous pollinator gardens throughout Walt Disney World Resort, including the one at the solar facility.
This is just the latest in Disney’s efforts to protect pollinator populations. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has provided more than $2 million in support of 26 projects across North America working to save butterflies. It’s easy to keep up on the Animals, Science and Environment page on Facebook and by following me on Instagram (@DrMarkAtDisney). Be sure to use #AskDrMark for the opportunity to have one of my animal care specialists or myself answer your curiosities about wildlife and nature.
