Students learn more about the Blue Jay Acres plot. Photo Submitted

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The newly unveiled Blue Jay Acres is a prime example of the importance of pollinator conservation.

The 2 acre plot was created to educate students on the role of flowering plants and pollinators in the ecosystem, to demonstrate what some of these plants look like, as well as provide benefits to wildlife, soil health, and other environmental benefits.

Austin Lang, North Dakota Precision Ag and Conservation Specialist with Pheasants Forever, says while the plot is new, they’re constantly seeking ways to grow Blue Jay Acres.

Lang says the plan is to include paths and future opportunities at the plot.

Other entities assisting with the project include:

Jamestown High School – Principal Adam Gehlhar
Farmers Union Oil-Co-Op – Daron Lacina
NRCS – Dustin Krueger
NDSU Extension – Alicia Harsatad
JVCTC Agriculture – Matt Mootz

This week is also pollinator week, an annual event celebrated internationally in support of pollinator health. The week has been celebrated for the past 14 years and brings awareness to the decline (especially in bees) of pollinators. Lang says numbers are down due to several different threats including disease/parasites, loss of habitat, and use of certain types of pesticides.

He added this goes hand in hand with what they hope to accomplish with Blue Jay Acres.

Lang says by creating habitat for the wanted insects, we’ll be creating a more sustainable ecosystem for the public and our farmers. With more than 3/4 of plants needing pollination, he says Blue Jay Acres is only a small part of the bigger picture.

For those wishing to learn more about pollinators and Pollinator Week, you can visit pollinator.org.