What is a Pollinator Habitat Garden?

Establishing a Pollinator Habitat Garden at Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy

Fall 2010 Prepared by Ms. Nemon

What is a Pollinator Habitat Garden? A Pollinator Habitat Garden is one that considers the needs of the pollinators first. It begins by attracting the pollinators with nectar and water, and encouraging them to stay by offering host plants, nests, and “houses.” The Pollinator Habitat Garden would never intentionally utilize chemicals or be insensitive to the life cycles of the pollinators. Pollinator Habitat Gardens offer an environment to enjoy the habits, tasks, and life cycles of pollinators.

What can you do to make a difference? Please actively listen to the presentation and at the end of the presentation consider a task to work on with small groups of 3 or 4.

Objectives for establishing a Pollinator Habitat Garden at NDPMA:   

  

Increase nectar sources for pollinators. Increase host plants for butterflies. Maintain water sources appropriate to pollinators’ needs. Provide shelter and nest “houses.” Reduce/remove the use of pesticide and herbicides. Certify the Habitat Garden and post signs that communicate the intentions of the habitat.

Increasing Nectar Sources for Pollinators 





Great sources of plant information can be found online with searches like “bee gardens” and “butterfly gardens.” Choosing native plants will ensure greater chance of survivability and resistance to invasive insects. Choose plants that bloom at different times of the year. Pollinators need 3 seasons of flowers. Spring

Summer

Autumn

http://www.ryereflections.org

Increasing Nectar Sources for Pollinators Cont. 





Consider which plants may be most attractive to bees and other pollinators. Hint: Bees love the colors blue and purple! Which plants will support birds with their seeds after the pollinators have had their fill of nectar? Which nectar plants will create winter nests for bees in their dried stems?

http://carletongarden.blogspot.com/2007/07/honeybeeon-borage-flower.html

http://mitchrice.us/nature/?p=642

http://mistressbeek.com/2008/06/

Successful Nectar Sources for Pollinators

Increasing Host Plants 





Butterflies need host plants! Ex. Monarchs depend on Ascelpias “Milkweed” for their survival. Milkweed is the sole food source for the Monarch. Milkweed supports the Monarch from egg to caterpillar (larva), chrysalis (pupa), and finally as a butterfly (adult). There are other host plants to consider for the variety of pollinators. Many bees are attracted to a plant for its pollen. Pollen is the only source of protein for bees. Squash bees love squash blossoms for their pollen. Consider pollen plants as well.

Maintaining Water Sources for Pollinators    

Pollinators need fresh water. Butterflies take in water and minerals by “puddling.” Bees need fresh sources of water everyday. How can a Pollinator Habitat Garden support these needs by providing fresh access to water everyday?

http://entomology.lsu.edu/lsam/expeditions.htm

http://www.penick.net/digging/?p=3608

Providing Shelter and Nest Sites 





There are butterfly “houses” for butterflies that winter over in cold climates. Homemade nests are easy to make for wild bees like carpenter bees. Consider starting an apiary for honeybees. http://pollinator.com/blog/

Removing all Pesticide Use from the Pollinator Habitat Garden 









Pesticides and herbicides are not selective. These toxins build up in the pollinators’ bodies and can be deadly. Attracting birds with birdfeeders can be helpful in maintaining the correct level of insects in a garden. Standing water can lead to mosquitoes. Use rain barrels instead which have screens that prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs. Empty all standing water in a timely fashion. Wear protective clothing in the evening to prevent being bit by an insect reducing the need for pesticides. Let there be no excuse for using these toxins!

Certify the Pollinator Habitat Garden & Post Communicative Signs 



Certifying your Pollinator Habitat Garden communicates the intentions and interests of the community. Consider one or more of these certifications: South East Michigan Butterfly Association Native Butterfly Garden The Pollinator Habitat Monarch Waystation NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat

Please commit to completing a task in one of the following areas: 

  



A plant “wish list” of nectar plants for pollinators and host plants for butterflies. Once a list is complete, please create an email to be sent to the families in our school community. Ideally, plants can be donated from family gardens. Plant materials are to be collected and cared for until planted. Plans/designs for water sources appropriate to pollinator needs. Please adopt a solution and be prepared to create the water feature. (The solution should be very inexpensive.) Plans/designs for shelter and nest “houses.” Please be prepared to create the necessary shelters and/or nest houses from found materials. A proposal addressing the reduction/removal of pesticides and herbicides from our campus. Please quote and cite sources. Proposal should be ready for presenting to the board or administration. Determine which certifications most closely represent our Pollinator Habitat Garden. Complete applications and procure signs in the garden. (A private donor will cover the costs of the signs.)

FINALLY 

Be prepared to work in the Pollinator Habitat Garden to implement and maintain your area.

HAVE FUN!!