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Annual sunflower planting for wildlife takes on special meaning
By Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The DNR annual sunflower plantings of 130 acres of sunflowers on 15 wildlife management areas spanning 18 Maryland counties, will be dedicated to the people of Ukraine this year. Sunflowers are the national flower of Ukraine which remains besieged by the Russian military.
The primary purpose of DNR’s plantings is to provide a source of food for mourning doves, cardinals, chickadees, blue jays, finches and other wildlife species, after the plants mature and dry. Pollinating insects like bees and butterflies also benefit from the abundant nectar and pollen that sunflowers produce.
This year the plantings will serve a dual purpose by expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Displaying the large yellow flower has become an important way for many people around the world to express unity and support for Ukrainians who have suffered the war’s destruction.