Pollinator declines are a global concern, and agriculture sits at the center of the challenge. As farms grow more efficient and landscapes become increasingly simplified, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are losing the diverse habitats they depend on. One widely promoted solution is planting native vegetation, but an important question remains: Can pollinator habitat embedded within conventional farming systems truly help if pesticides remain in the surrounding landscape?

Pollinator declines are a global concern, and agriculture sits at the center of the challenge. As farms grow more efficient and landscapes become increasingly simplified, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are losing the diverse habitats they depend on. One widely promoted solution is planting native vegetation, but an important question remains: Can pollinator habitat embedded within conventional farming systems truly help if pesticides remain in the surrounding landscape?

Landowners interested in restoring oxbows on their property can consult guidance from a new publication from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “Oxbow Restoration: A Guide for Landowners” is available for download at no cost from the ISU Extension Store and provides practical guidance on the benefits of oxbow restoration, the restoration process and timeline, costs and funding opportunities, as well as additional resources available to help landowners get started...