Establishing pollinator-friendly habitats and food sources for
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinating insects and wildlife
What are pollinators?
• insects, birds or other animals that move pollen from one plant to another
• they enable the cross fertilization of plants promoting reproduction and the growth of new plants
• more than 30% of our food grows as a result of the work pollinators do
Photos courtesy of Dave Cronin
What is threatening our pollinators?
• widespread application of pesticides and other chemicals on lawns and landscaped plantings and in agriculture
• climate changes that lead to lack of larval host plants
• loss of food and shelter sources as natural environments becoming increasingly fragmented through urbanization and suburbanization
What is a Pollinator Pathway?
-
pesticide-free corridors of native plants that provide nutrition and habitat for pollinators
-
these protected corridors are created from a partnership of public and private properties
-
even the smallest of available green spaces like flower boxes and curb strips can be part of the pathway
How to Join
• include native plants on your property
and manage invasive species
• do not use pesticides and herbicides (pesticide policy & FAQ here)
• rethink your lawn--mow higher and less often; consider reducing lawn size by adding shrubs, trees, a mini meadow; leave some bare ground and dead wood for nesting native bees; leave some autumn leaves for overwintering eggs and pupae of pollinating insects
• help spread the word by ordering a 6" sign showing your yard is on the Pollinator Pathway--here's how
Watch this short video to learn more about the
Pollinator Pathway in the Northeast
Public Service Announcements Airing on Public Radio
Video created by Mary Clay Fields
Find out more about the original Pollinator Pathway
