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How can we Bee the change?

Restoring pollinator populations is a challenging task, but it IS possible!

If everyone in Massachusetts plants at least one pollinator-friendly plant, we can cover the Commonwealth!

Pollinators can thrive in many different locations. They don’t care if a plant is in a state park, a highway divider, on a rooftop, in your backyard, or sitting on your front porch, as long as it has pollen.

Plant something for pollinators

Grow a single plant in a window box or in a container or on your front steps, porch, deck, or rooftop.

Even a single plant can provide the nourishment that a migrating monarch butterfly or a honeybee needs to survive. So whether it’s big or small, anything you do helps. And if everyone on your street plants one plant, there will be many plants for pollinators to choose from. Check out This Old House for container tips.

Plant a cluster of containers

Pollinators are attracted to flowers in a variety of colors and shapes, so if you can cluster five containers together, you can attract more kinds of pollinators.

Plant a pollinator garden

When planting your garden, remember that pollinators need food, water, and shelter. For further instructions, check out this manual from the Pollinator Partnership.

Learn more about pollinator plants

Visit our What to Plant page for information about native pollinator plants and more.

Get help from your local independent garden center or landscaper

We could all use a hand from time to time. No one knows more about growing than the professionals.

Register your garden with the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge

MPGC is a nationwide movement to restore pollinator populations by preserving and creating pollinator habitats and resources.

Mulch less

Solitary bees build nests in bare soil for their young. When we mulch, these pollinators can’t reproduce.

Don’t clean up your garden until spring

By leaving garden and plant debris in your yard over the winter, you’re providing a safe home for pollinators. This is especially helpful for queen bumblebees that need a safe place to survive the elements.

Provide a water source

Pollinators need water as well as food. If you aren’t able to put a birdbath in your yard, ask your landlord or neighbor to consider it

Build a bee house

Bee houses provide a place for wild bees to raise their young. There are many designs and instructions online, but here’s one from the National Wildlife Federation.

Build a butterfly house

Butterfly houses provide a safe place for butterflies to hibernate. There are many designs online, including this one.

Use less pesticides and be smarter

It is impossible to avoid beneficial pollinators when we use pesticides, so it is best to use them sparingly. If you do need them, the Xerces Society has wonderful tips on proper use to reduce pesticide use and impacts. You can also try beneficial predators or natural alternatives instead.

Support organizations

The fight to bring back our pollinators involves planting, research, legislation and more. Here are some organizations you can help support.