CCE-Yates County is launching the 3rd Annual Yates County Pollinator Tournament. The local organization is inviting the community to choose which pollinator to crown in this March Madness-style bracket, where pollinators are pitted against each other for your vote.
Why Pollinators Matter
Inspired by the National Park Service’s “Fat Bear Week,” this tournament aims to educate the community and raise awareness of the variety and importance of pollinators in supporting and maintaining agriculture.
What is Genus Bombus?
All bees commonly known as “bumblebees,” are in the genus Bombus (BOM-bus). There are approximately 250 species of Bombus in the world. Bumblebees are among the first bees to emerge in spring and the last to die off. They are also more efficient pollinators than honey bees (Apis mellifera) for many crops, including tomatoes, cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, and field beans.
How It Works
Like previous tournaments, this year’s event will run over five weeks as an interactive event through our social media channels. Each week will feature a face-off between eight pollinators and fun facts about each species. Vote for your favorite and see which will advance to the next round. Attached to this email is a blank bracket worksheet and a list of this year’s competitors.
Pollinators are vital to creating and maintaining the habitats and ecosystems native animals rely upon for food and shelter and to farmers, nursery owners, and produce growers for their economic livelihoods. However, only one can be named Yates County’s Pollinator of the Year.
