There are concerns about the effect pesticides have on wildlife and the environment. Specifically, there is a lot of discussion about the role pesticides play in the decline of pollinators, including both honeybees and wild insects.

The Pennsylvania State University has a world-class group of researchers looking at this complex problem. They are collaborating with other experts on a national and international level. But they need your help.

Researchers and regulators need to know about real-world experiences with pesticides and pollinators. How can you get your anonymous observations and concerns to the researchers? Send them to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC): npic.orst.edu.

To report your observations about the impact of pesticides on pollinators, wildlife or the environment, go to the NPIC Ecological Pesticide Incident Reporting site, pi.ace.orst.edu/erep, and click "Submit A Report," answer the questions, and save your work.

The NPIC is a cooperative effort between Oregon State University and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. NPIC provides information on pesticide-related issues at: npic.orst.edu. There are fact sheets on the contents of pesticides and safety information. The NPIC toll-free number is 800-858-7378 between 8 a.m. and noon Monday through Friday Pacific Standard Time.

By knowing more about the problems occurring in the field, researchers can target their investigations to try to find practical ways to help our pollinators, producers and gardeners.

Protecting pollinators and the environment is everyone's responsibility. If you have knowledge that will contribute to the effort, consider sharing it through National Pesticide Information Center.

How can we help pollinators? Here are a few things that you can do:

Plan the sequence of flowering plants from early spring through late fall, so you have pollen and nectar in your garden all season long.

Learn about the pollinators as they arrive, and make sure you know the difference between pollinators and pests.

Plant enough of each type of plant in groups to encourage populations of pollinators to move in. Native plants are generally more attractive to native pollinators and provide what they need to increase in numbers.

Pick plants with flowers that have different shapes, colors, scents, blooming times, and food for different pollinators.

"Growing Green" is contributed by Lehigh County Extension Office Staff and Master Gardeners. Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-746-1970.