What Can I Do?

Your four steps to pollinator impact

Every small step creates real habitat. Choose one or build the full pathway. All steps are designed to work in a backyard, a schoolyard, or a single container on a balcony.

Step 1: Grow a pollinator-friendly garden

Why it matters: Native plants and pollinators evolved together. Native flowers bloom when pollinators need them and provide the right nectar and pollen.

What pollinator-friendly means:

• Native plant species for your region
• Flowers across spring, summer, and fall
• No pesticides or herbicides
• Shallow water sources and sunny spots
• Nesting materials like bare soil, hollow stems, or small logs

Avoid pesticides: Even small doses can harm pollinators. Use hand-pulling, mulching, and natural pest controls instead.

Step 2: Feed and shelter pollinators all season

Pollinators need food and shelter through their whole life cycle, not just during the summer bloom.

• Plant early, mid, and late-season blooms.
• Include host plants for larvae (such as milkweed for monarchs).
• Leave leaf litter or stems in fall for overwintering.
• Provide a small water source with stones for landing.

Step 3: Learn, observe, and share

Understanding local pollinators helps you design better habitat and encourages others to join.

• Learn to identify a few local bee and butterfly species.
• Use citizen science tools like iNaturalist to log sightings.
• Share photos and planting tips with neighbors or classrooms.

Step 4: Join the movement

Take your action public and invite others to join the network of habitats.

• Sign the pollinator pledge.
• Plant a Bloom Kit with friends or classmates.
• Host a mini-planting day or pollinator walk.
• Partner with a local school or community garden.

Garden resources and next steps

Use these resources to plan, plant, and grow a thriving pollinator habitat.