Athena Rayne Anderson

This post was originally published on September 9, 2011, on my blog “Pollinators Info” (no longer online).

Want to help conserve pollinators but don’t know where to start? Here are some ideas:

1. Reduce or eliminate pesticide use on your property. These chemicals aren’t insect-specific, which means they can kill many species, or reduce their ability to find food and reproduce.
2. Leave “messy” spaces. Got an overgrown field margin full of weeds? How about a scrubby border between your yard and the next? Research shows that these habitats can provide food and nesting sites for many different pollinators.
3. Plant for pollinators. Even a small garden can make a difference, especially if it contains species that bloom when few others are doing so.
4. Consider turning your property into a Certified Wildlife Habitat. This costs a little money, but can educate the neighborhood about the importance of providing wildlife habitat. Some folks might wonder why your property doesn’t look as “manicured” as others and having this certification displayed prominently could send a powerful, and influential, message to passersby. I’ve really enjoyed watching the increased numbers of birds and bugs in my yard since I met the requirements for the certification!
5. Consider having your property certified as a pollinator garden through your local botanical garden, garden club, butterfly organization, etc. This might also cost some money, but I think it’s great for the same reason as having a certified wildlife habitat. I had this done recently through Monarchs Across Georgia but a Google search of “pollinator garden” or “pollinator habitat” should show you if there are certification organizations in your area.