About 70% of plants need pollinators and 1/3 of our food sources depend on pollination. There are over 4,000 species of native bees in North America. The majority of crop pollination is done by the European Honeybee, a very important but non-native species. Native bees are also efficient pollinators, and can complement the crop pollination service provided by honey bees.

Habitat is essential for widlife to thrive. The Rogue Valley is comprised of many diverse habitats including sub-alpine, mixed conifer hardwood, chapparal, oak savanna, and of course, riparian and aquatic habitats. The Siskiyous, one of the two mountain ranges that shape the valley, are renowned for their biological diversity.

Here are some resources to help you identify forage crops for your animals, stay away from poisonous plants, and manage animal manure to maximize its benefits and prevent water quality impacts!