What’s The Buzz Around Pollinator Gardens?

May 05, 2022

While our SSC custodial teams are inside creating clean, safe learning environments for students, our grounds team members are outside getting their hands dirty to create sustainable spaces for our pollinators.

Birds and insects are essential to our ecosystem. According to the US Forest Service, “without pollinators, the human race and all of earth’s terrestrial ecosystems would not survive. Of the 1,400 crop plants grown around the world, i.e., those that produce all of our food and plant-based industrial products, almost 80% require pollination by animals.” Pollinator gardens have become increasingly popular to protect birds and insects that have suffered because of harsh chemical usage, invasive plant species, and even entire loss of habitats in some regions.

Customized Solutions

Pollinator gardens are not a one size fits all solution: They are customized to meet the needs of the campus and local area. What does this mean? When creating a pollinator garden on campus, our teams have several factors to consider:

  1. What pollinators they would like to attract
  2. What plants are local to the area
  3. What area of campus would be an ideal location for a thriving pollinator garden

At-Home Pollinator Garden Tips

Your yard is a great place to start making a difference in protecting our pollinator gardens. If you are ready to create a pollinator garden at home, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Skip harsh chemicals: Pesticides can quickly work against the purpose of your garden. Explore natural, organic solutions for pest control to protect both your plants and pollinators.
  • Create Intentional Homes for Insect Species: Did you know that many native bees don’t actually live in hives? You can create a DIY “Bee Hotel” to attract and protect native bees by drilling a hole in a dead tree that is still standing or by purchasing a ready-made bee house to incorporate into your garden.
  • Think local: To have a successful pollinator garden, you need to know your local environment well. If you’re new to gardening, do your research on native plant species. Local garden centers are also a great resource to learn about what plants will attract the most pollinators in your area.

SSC Services for Education tends to pollinator gardens at many of our campuses. Ready to learn more? Contact us to learn about a partnership with SSC.

For more information on our environmental and sustainability initiatives, check out our News Center and Sustainability site.