Planting flowers is one of the most effective ways to promote pollinators in an area. Not only are flowers beautiful, but they provide essential floral resources for our pollinating species. Especially when planting flowers native to your area. Learn more

Reducing insecticide and pesticide use is one of the best ways to make spaces safer for pollinators. Pesticide use affects pollinators no matter what pest species you are targeting, so it is important to use alternatives whenever possible. Learn more

Ohio has over 500 native bee species with many being cavity-nesting species. By providing bee hotels it allows native bees and other beneficial insects a safe place to lay their eggs and for larvae to develop. Look out for the mud-capped tubes, it means baby bees are resting inside. Learn more  

In hot temperatures, bees and other pollinating insects get thirsty. Bees also use water to cool their hives, dilute honey and make mud for cavity-nesting. One easy way to help pollinators is by providing a shallow dish of water or “bee bath” with some stones, to prevent pollinators from drowning. Learn more

While nicely mowed lawns are a thing of pride in the midwest, they are not great for pollinators that rely on early flowering “weed” species like clover and dandelions. Reducing your mowing frequency is an easy way to promote pollinators like bees and butterflies in your area. Learn more

Restoring prairie or planting prairie species is a great way to promote pollinator biodiversity and abundance in an area. While this might not be feasible to do in your yard, you can check out some great natural areas at our local Five Rivers Metroparks or even the University of Dayton Solar Prairie located at Curran Place. Learn more