Xerces volunteer warns of monarch and native‑bee declines and urges local planting, reduced pesticides

Pat Stadelli, a volunteer ambassador with the Xerces Society, told the Environmental Commission that pollinators—especially native bees and the western monarch—have experienced steep declines and that local action can help mitigate losses.

"One in three food bites you don't have without pollinators," Stadelli said during the June 22 presentation, using the statistic to underscore the economic and nutritional importance of insect pollinators. He described a broad set of threats—habitat loss, pesticides, and poor plant choices—and recommended four practical local actions: plant native nectar and host species, create nesting habitat (leave patches of bare ground and hollow stems), avoid pesticides where possible, and run school and community outreach programs.

Stadelli highlighted the western monarch population decline as especially severe, described many native bees as solitary ground‑nesters that need bare soil or stem cavities, and advised care around milkweed plantings near wintering sites (the 'five‑mile' guidance noted by the presenter). He also cautioned that retail nursery plants can contain systemic insecticides (neonicotinoids) and recommended sourcing plants from reputable native‑plant suppliers.

During Q&A a commissioner observed that California has recently restricted residential use of neonicotinoids, reducing one common homeowner source of exposure; commercial applications remain separately regulated. Commissioners expressed interest in school programs, seed giveaways at outreach events and possible invitation of county climate or planning staff for future briefings.

Stadelli urged pragmatic, community‑scale steps — planting seasonal, patchy nectar resources such as buckwheat and Ceanothus, limiting pesticide use, and partnering with local groups for monitoring and education — rather than relying solely on large, centralized interventions.