POLLINATOR CORRIDORS
What are Pollinator Corridors?
Choose the right plants to attract pollinators & enliven your landscape.
Bees, butterflies, birds & other wildlife species move pollen between plants, allowing cross-fertilization plants need to reproduce & grow. This process is necessary to grow food crops & ensure ecological health. Pollinator species are endangered due to loss of habitat from urbanization, pesticide/herbicide use & other human activities.
Pollinator corridors are pesticide-free paths of native plants that provide habitat & nutrients for pollinators & other small wildlife. These corridors create an opportunity for people to engage with nature in a meaningful way & to contribute to beautiful, climate appropriate landscapes.
DO:
DO select native & flowering pollinator plant species: These plants can be incorporated into your ornamental landscape & look beautiful! For suggestions, see CAP toolpage.
DO start small. Even potted plants & narrow curb strips can provide pollinator plant habitat.
DO talk to your neighbors about what you are doing & why - together you can create a neighborhood with pollinator corridors.
DO go big. Planning a larger, connected corridor between your site & neighbors is more valuable to pollinators. Map out connections through your community such as along sidewalks & regional connections to parks and wild areas for greater habitat value.
DO maximize pollinator habitat. Consider layering pollinator plant species including overstory trees, understory small trees/large shrubs, shrubs, perennials, groundcovers, & vines too.
DO bee-come crafty. Solitary bee hotels & bird houses can add to your pollinator habitat.
DON’T:
DO NOT use pesticides & herbicides! These harm pollinator species. Add signage to let your neighbors know too!
DO NOT remove leaves from the ground. Instead of removing in autumn & through winter, leave them behind for pollinating insects to use for their eggs and pupae.
DO NOT mow frequently. If you have a lawn, you can help pollinators by mowing less often & letting grass grow higher. Replacing some or all of the lawn with pollinator plantings is even more beneficial!
Special Attention: Monarchs
Monarch butterfly populations are in serious danger. Let’s adopt the correct planting strategy to help populations in this difficult time by referring to the map below.
Multiple Benefits
FIRE RESILIENCE
FOOD SECURITY
GROUNDWATER RECHARGE
EXTREME HEAT REDUCTION
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
Related Tools
Climate Appropriate Plantings
Rain Gardens
Mulching
Rainwater Harvesting
Greywater - Laundry to Landcape
Greywater - Sink/Shower