Utah State University Extension

Hummingbirds may be tiny, but they play an important role in Utah's ecosystems. While we often think of bees when we think of pollinators, hummingbirds also help many flowering plants reproduce as they move from bloom to bloom in search of nectar.

A hummingbird's long bill and tongue are specially adapted for feeding on tubular flowers, making them excellent pollinators for plants that other pollinators may struggle to reach. In the process, pollen sticks to their heads and bills and is carried to the next flower they visit.

Most hummingbirds seen in Utah migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles each year, arriving in spring to take advantage of abundant blooms. By planting nectar-rich flowers that bloom throughout the growing season, providing fresh water, and avoiding unnecessary pesticide use, you can help support these remarkable travelers.

Have hummingbirds visited your yard this year? Tell us which flowers they're visiting most often!

Happy National Pollinator Week!

Flies are some of nature's hardest-working pollinators and many species are active even when other pollinators aren't.

Some of Utah's most beneficial flower visitors are hover flies. Not only do the adults pollinate flowers, but many hover fly larvae feed on aphids and other garden pests, making them valuable allies in the landscape.

Want to help pollinators thrive? Plant a variety of flowers that bloom from spring through fall, choose native plants when possible, and reduce pesticide use. Small changes can create important habitat for the many pollinators that keep our gardens, farms, and natural ecosystems healthy.

Enter your pollinator garden in the Best Native Garden category for the Best Garden in Utah contest at bestgarden.usu.edu

Happy National Pollinator Week!

If your family received an evacuation order tonight, would you know what to do? Would you know where to meet, who to contact, or how to safely evacuate your pets or livestock?

That’s exactly why we created the Emergency Action Plan. It helps families organize emergency contacts, meeting locations, supply lists, communication plans, and animal evacuation information before an emergency happens.

Take a few minutes today to prepare for something you hope never happens.

Download it here: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/extension_curall/2624/

Bees usually get the pollinator spotlight, but butterflies and moths are important pollinators too. Together, they help move pollen between flowers, support healthy ecosystems, and contribute to the production of many plants we use and enjoy.

Utah is home to hundreds of species of butterflies and moths. While adult butterflies and moths feed on nectar, their caterpillars are also an important part of the food web, providing food for birds and other wildlife.

Want to help these winged pollinators? Plant a variety of flowers that bloom from spring through fall, include native species whenever possible, and leave some leaf litter and plant stems in your landscape through winter to provide shelter for overwintering insects.

Think your pollinator garden is Utah's best? Enter the Best Garden in Utah contest in the Best Native Garden category at bestgarden.usu.edu

Happy National Pollinator Week!

When most people think of bees, they think of honey bees, but Utah is actually home to about 1,100 species of native bees. These incredible pollinators come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny sweat bees to fuzzy bumble bees, and most live solitary lives in underground burrows or hollow plant stems.

Native bees play a critical role in Utah's ecosystems and food production, helping pollinate fruit trees, vegetables, forage crops like alfalfa and clover, and countless native wildflowers. In fact, some native bee species are even more efficient pollinators than honey bees.

Unfortunately, native bees face challenges from habitat loss, pesticide exposure, disease, and changing environmental conditions. The good news? Small changes in your yard can make a big difference. Planting a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the growing season, providing nesting habitat, and reducing pesticide use can help support healthy pollinator populations.

Looking for ideas? Check out the bee-friendly plants featured in this post and help make Utah a more welcoming place for pollinators.

Happy National Pollinator Week!

The first day of summer is this Sunday. We put together 88 things to do this summer in Utah to help you make the most of it!

These ideas come from USU Extension’s award-winning Hidden Gems Adventure Guides, a collection of free activity guides designed to help families, couples, and individuals connect, learn, and have fun together. Each guide includes engaging activities that build life skills such as communication, creativity, confidence, mindfulness, trust, and problem-solving.

Research shows that spending intentional time together can strengthen relationships, support positive youth development, and create lasting memories. Whether you're looking for a weekend adventure, a family activity, or a new place to explore, there's something on this list for everyone.

Download free Hidden Gems Adventure Guides at extension.usu.edu/relationships/hiddengems/ and start planning your next adventure!

What are you doing this summer?

A big thank you to USU President Brad Mortensen for highlighting the impact of USU Extension in a recent Deseret News op-ed. We’re proud to serve communities in all 29 Utah counties and excited to continue making a difference across the state. Read the full article in the Deseret News.

https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2026/06/13/usu-extension-is-investing-in-utah-communities/

A pollinator garden not only adds beauty to your landscape, but it also helps support the hundreds of native bee species that call Utah home.

Many pollinators rely on a continuous supply of nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. By planting a variety of native species that bloom from spring through fall, you can create a habitat that provides food when pollinators need it most. Native plants are often well-adapted to Utah's climate, making them a great choice for water-wise landscapes, too.

One common concern is attracting more stinging insects, but most native bees are solitary and rarely sting. In fact, they're some of our most important pollinators, helping support fruits, vegetables, wildflowers, and healthy ecosystems across the state.

Do you have a pollinator-friendly landscape? Consider entering it in the Best Garden in Utah competition! Gardens featuring native plants can be submitted in the Best Native Garden category. Entries are open to all Utah residents through September 15.

Learn more and enter your garden at: bestgarden.usu.edu

A drop in income can feel overwhelming, but having a plan can help you regain control.

When facing job loss, reduced hours, or unexpected financial challenges, start by taking inventory of your resources and expenses. Then look for opportunities to reduce spending, increase income, and create a short-term plan focused on necessities like housing, food, utilities, transportation, insurance, and medication.

Remember: financial resilience isn't about perfection, it's about making informed decisions with the resources you have right now.

Community resources may also be available to help. Visit 211utah.org to explore assistance programs in your area.

For more financial education and resources, visit consumerfinance.gov and UtahMoneyMatters.org. You can also download “What to Do When Income Drops.”

Dreaming of a bumper tomato harvest this year?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular garden crops in Utah, and with a little planning, they can be one of the most rewarding. Success starts with choosing a sunny location, planting after soils have warmed, watering consistently, mulching, and providing support with cages or stakes.

Did you know? Tomato flowers are self-pollinating, and warm daytime temperatures between 80-95°F produce the best fruit set. Extremely hot or cold temperatures can reduce production, so don't be alarmed if your plants slow down during weather extremes.

Whether you're growing slicers for sandwiches, cherry tomatoes for snacking, or paste tomatoes for canning, good garden practices can help you enjoy a healthy and productive harvest all season long.

Have a vegetable garden you're proud of? Enter it in the Best Garden in Utah contest! Utah gardeners can submit their gardens in the Best Vegetable Garden category (along with other categories) for a chance to be recognized for their hard work, creativity, and sustainable gardening practices. https://bestgarden.usu.edu/

Learn more about tomatoes here: https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/tomatoes-in-the-garden

Let us know below what tomato variety you are growing this year!