Pollinator Pathway
Pittsburgh
Welcome to the Pittsburgh Pollinator Pathway!
Join us in creating a vital network of pollinator-friendly habitats right here in Pittsburgh and across our wider region. The Pittsburgh Pollinator Pathway is part of a larger initiative to establish a continuous corridor of safe havens for birds, bees, butterflies, and other essential insects. This corridor will connect private gardens with public spaces, providing much-needed sanctuary.
How You Can Help
We invite businesses, organizations, and residents to make a crucial commitment to support our pollinators. Your participation directly contributes to creating the high-quality habitats these creatures need to thrive. Here's how you can make a difference:
Eliminate pesticides: These harmful chemicals can decimate pollinator populations.
Control invasive species: Non-native plants often outcompete the native flora that pollinators rely on.
Plant and protect native plants: These plants provide the specific food and shelter that local pollinators need.
Join Our Growing Map!
If you're passionate about supporting local pollinators and would like to add your garden to our expanding map of pollinator-friendly spaces, please register here: https://www.pollinator-pathway.org/register
Share Local Resources
Do you have local resources or contacts in the City of Pittsburgh or the Western Pennsylvania region that could benefit our efforts? Please share them or ask any questions by emailing us at pittsburghpollinator@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!
Together, we can cultivate a thriving pathway for pollinators in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas.
‘The care of the Earth is our most ancient, most worthy and most pleasing responsibility’. Wendell Berry, poet.
Photo Credit: Heather L. Brady
Photo Credit: Heather L. Brady
Photo Credit: Heather L. Brady
Pittsburgh Pollinator Pathway Resources
I. Local and State Pollinator Habitat Certification Initiatives
A. Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania (ASWP)
Certified Backyard Habitat Program: Learn how to create a wildlife-friendly habitat in your own backyard.
B. Penn State Extension
Master Gardener Program - Pollinator Friendly Garden Certification: Certify your garden as a haven for pollinators and wildlife.
II. Native Plant & Habitat Resources
A. Native Plant Lists for Western PA
Pennsylvania Native Plant Society: A great source for regional native plant information.
Wild Ones Western PA
Website: https://westernpa.wildones.org/
B. Native Plant Nurseries & Suppliers
1. Where to Buy Native Plants (Pittsburgh and Southwest PA Region), in person
Audubon Center for Native Plants
Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
614 Dorseyville Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Phone: (412) 963-6100
Website: https://www.aswp.org/our-places/audubon-center-for-native-plants/
Bonus: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve’s 3.5 miles of trails are free and open to the public seven days a week from dawn to dusk. These trails meander through 134-acres of scenic sanctuary with field, forest, pond, and stream habitats. For more information about the trails and more, please visit their website: https://www.aswp.org/our-places/beechwood-farms-nature-reserve/
Arcadia Natives
2273 S. Main St. Ext., Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 986-0907
Website: https://arcadianatives.com/
Rustbelt Natives
Sets up at various venues; check their website for event schedules
Website: https://www.rustbeltnatives.com/
2. Online or Phone Ordering and Shipping
Ernst Conservation Seeds
Website: https://www.ernstseed.com/
Prairie Nursery
Website: https://www.prairienursery.com/
Prairie Moon Nursery
Website: https://www.prairiemoon.com/
Izel Native Plants (various locations - great for larger quantities)
Website: https://www.izelplants.com/
3. And many more:
Wild Ones Western PA
Maintains an extensive list of native plant nurseries (both in-person and online)
Website: https://westernpa.wildones.org/western-pa-native-plants/
