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:
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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:
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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
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Be prepared to work in the Pollinator Habitat Garden to implement and maintain your area.
HAVE FUN!!