Pollinators are in trouble and their loss is our loss. But the spaces right outside our doors can provide vital lifelines for pollinators and in turn create healthier, more vital communities for all. Gardening for pollinators is about more than just planting a few flowers. To move beyond the ecological deserts created by traditional landscaping practices and towards vital habitats, a series of thoughtful steps are needed. Dig in to the tools and resources throughout this page, and watch the buzz return!
There’s a lot of buzz about bees, butterflies, and other pollinators these days, and for good reason; pollinators are in peril. Biologists are warning that pollinator populations are in sharp decline, with some species facing extinction. But the good news is there are things you can do to help right outside your door.
Pollinators need more than a few flowers to survive and thrive! Use this helpful guide from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to evaluate your yard & garden and identify the concrete steps you can take to enhance your outdoor space to better support pollinators and other beneficial species at home.
The magic of ecological garden success is rooted in matching the right plant to the right place. What does this mean? Understanding the soil and light conditions that exist currently in your yard is the first step in selecting plants that will thrive there. Best supporting pollinators in your space means selecting plants that researchers have identified as key for the pollinators of our region. That’s why we recommend utilizing science back tools and planning guides like the ones we provide throughout our website. Take time to dig into them and find the plants that will work for your space, your pollinators, and your needs! We highly recommend the many tools and guides below, as well as the many resources on the ”Planning Your Garden” page of our website.
The City of Somerville, MA has created a dynamic Pollinator Action Plan to improve habitat throughout the City. Read it HERE. The plan includes a “Pollinator Pantry“ - a science based, user-friendly, set of resources to help you easily plan impactful pollinato gardens of various sizes in a variety of diverse environments.
Dig in to this fantastic pollinator planting guide specific to our region. It includes helpful charts of bloom times for beneficial plants and matches host plants to our native butterflies.
Whether you are interested in improving pollinator resources on your own property, looking for guidance developing a landscaping plan, or trying to determine which native plant species to stock for sale, the Massachusetts DOA curated lists of native, pollinator-friendly container plants and seeds will help you make the right decisions.
Click on the image to be redirected to their website where you can download helpful resources and lists for Massachusetts and surrounding areas, see sample plans and locate places to shop for the native plants that form the foundation of buzzing pollinator places.
Check out this new garden plan from the folks at the Northeast Pollinator Pathway. This is true beginner guide to get you started on your pollinator garden journey. 🦋
Did you know that places and spaces to support nesting and overwintering for pollinators matters nearly as much as the things you plant? Download this helpful guide from the Xerces Society for more information on how to support pollinators all the months of the year!
The Pollinator Pathway a grassroots effort focused on creating pollinator-friendly habitat patches along a series of continuous corridors weaving through communities. By connecting private and public spaces we can build back space for pollinators. Dozens of your neighbors have already joined - get connected today!
Connect your property to the growing network of pollinator gardens across Rhode Island. Learn more about how to connect at the link below.
Rhode Island’s native bees are in trouble. Learn more about it from the scientists at the forefront of the work to catalog and protect our pollinators. Be sure to explore their resources including planting guides for home gardeners. Click on the image to learn more.
The Providence Pollinator Lab led by Dr. Rachel Bonoan studies insect pollinator nutrition and behavioral ecology.
Discover ways that you can contribute to citizen science by helping to catalog Rhode Island’s native pollinators. Dig in to the library of resources to learn more about how you can help pollinators at home and in the community. Click on the image to learn more.
Discover ways that you can connect with others in Massachusetts working to save pollinators by connecting with the Massachusetts Pollinator Network. Participate in programs, help advocate for pro-pollinator legislation, and stay up to date on the latest buzz.
Want to dig in on the science behind pollinator gardening? Looking for additional inspirations and new ideas? Ohio State University hosted a dynamic learning series featuring some of the nation's foremost experts on pollinator habitat. You can watch all of the session recordings by following the link below.
