2017 First-Class Forever Stamp,Protect Pollinators: Monarch Butterfly on a Pink Coneflower

U.S. #5228 - Monarch Butterfly on Coneflower 2017 49c Protect Pollinators    Value: 49¢ 1-ounce first-class letter rate- Forever Issued:  August 3, 2017 First Day City:  Richmond, VA Type of Stamp: Commemorative
 Printed by: Ashton Potter Method: Offset printing in sheets of 180 Format: Pane of 20 (5 Designs) Self-Adhesive Quantity Printed: 60,000,000 stamps   These stamps pay tribute to the beauty and importance of pollinators in our ecosystem. They species depicted exemplify the ecological service provided by all pollinators, which include other insects, birds and bats. Crop pollination be insects contributes some $15 billion of produce to the U.S. economy each year.  Trending declines in their populations alert us that pollinators now need mindful human intervention in order to thrive. Individuals can help butterflies, bees and other pollinators by planting gardens that include native flowers or heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables.