The Pollinator Project – Restoring Pollinator Populations, Protecting Our Future
by Jennifer Cain
Today, the world observes its 55th Earth Day, an annual event that encourages all of us to take action towards environmental conservation and sustainability. What better time to highlight the work of The Pollinator Project, a Michigan-based nonprofit committed to researching and restoring pollinator populations to protect our food supply.
Kenneth Meyer, the group’s president and founder, puts it plainly, “no bees, no food, no people.” And with bee colony losses at an all-time high – as well as significant drops in other pollinator populations, such as butterflies, bats and hummingbirds – we have good reason to be alarmed.
U.S. Bee Colony Losses Getting Worse
Bees play a critical role in food production. They pollinate 75% of the fruits, vegetables and nuts grown in the U.S. But climate change, pesticide use, disease and loss of habitat have put them at risk, causing considerable drops in their populations. Over the past decade, commercial honeybee colony losses in the U.S. have ranged between 30-50% annually. Now, entomologists at universities across the country project bee colony losses of up to 70% in 2025. And scientists are still trying to pinpoint the exact causes.
“If this trend continues,” warns Meyer, “the commercial beekeeping industry won’t survive, and we won’t be able to pollinate crops at the scale needed to grow food in the U.S.”
Now, entomologists at universities across the country project bee colony losses of up to 70% in 2025. And scientists are still trying to pinpoint the exact causes. “If this trend continues,” warns Meyer, “the commercial beekeeping industry won’t survive, and we won’t be able to pollinate crops at the scale needed to grow food in the U.S.”
To reverse this disturbing trend, government agencies, academic institutions and environmental groups continue to research ways to protect and restore pollinator habitats and develop pollinator-friendly environments. Commercial beekeepers transport millions of hives across the nation to pollinate crops. But we’re still falling behind.
It’s why The Pollinator Project is poised to expand its operations in Michigan, a state that relies on pollination to drive its $100 billion agriculture industry. In fact, Michigan is the nation’s top grower of tart cherries for pie, pickling cucumbers, potatoes for chipping and asparagus and squash for processing.
About The Pollinator Project
Based at Meyer Farms, a 10-acre organic homestead in Columbus, Michigan, The Pollinator Project currently maintains 100 bee hives. A six-person beekeeper team, led by Meyer, researches parasite control, using hops; Varroa mites; gut health and overwintering techniques suitable for northern climates.
Now, the organization looks to grow its impact through larger-scale research, developing viable solutions to combat and reverse pollinator decline in Michigan, the U.S. and around the world. The group plans to expand its bee population to 250 hives and build a 5-square-mile natural habitat on donated land – a place for the bees to thrive and be studied. It will partner with local universities to develop a master beekeeper program and raise its research capabilities to the next level.
There’s an educational outreach aspect too. The Pollinator Project will create hands-on programs for grades K-12 and the public to spread knowledge about pollinator issues and pollinator-friendly gardening techniques. Afterall, we all have a role to play in helping our pollinators not only survive but thrive.
To help fund the operation, Meyer and his team plan to build a pavilion and amphitheater on their new property, offering concert performances and lecture series to the local community.
It’s all about raising awareness, promoting action and inspiring change to protect and sustain our environment – a perfect example to share on Earth Day 2025.
Find Out More
To learn more about The Pollinator Project, visit the organization’s website at thepollinatorproject.org.
Meet the team in person! The Pollinator Project will host an exhibit at the St. Clair County Earth Fair in Goodells, Michigan, April 25 to 26. In addition, the group will be among 60+ nonprofits participating in the Community Foundation of St. Clair County’s The Big Give 2025 on May 14.