Project Pollinator

Tickets
$8.00
General Admission
Ages 13 and up

Free
Members Admission
Individual, Garden, and Friends & Family Members

Free
Resident Rate
St. Louis City & County First Tuesday of the Month; First Two Hours of Operation. Available Onsite Only

$5.00
Child & Seniors Rate
Ages 3 - 12 and Seniors 65+
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Events & Classes
- Upcoming Events & Classes
  - Register for Summer Classes and Events
    Monday, May 5 - Sunday, August 31 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
  - Animal Encounters
    Tuesday, June 10 - Sunday, August 3 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  - Plant Outpost
    Tuesday, June 10 - Sunday, August 3 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- View Full Calendar

project_pollinator_HORIZ

The Butterfly House formed Project Pollinator along with St. Louis County Parks and Libraries to be a part of the national movement to protect pollinators and their habitats.

Project Pollinator is a community-oriented program that promotes an appreciation of all pollinators through education and creation of pollinator gardens. Our goal is to educate the public about the diversity of pollinators in our area, and to provide resources for growing pollinator gardens in public and private spaces.

We launched on March 15, 2016. On that date we issued a challenge to the municipalities of St. Louis County to plant pollinator gardens in their public spaces. Residents of St. Louis County can join in the effort by planting pollinator gardens of their own. Together, we can work to restore habitats and improve the health of native pollinators.

Project Pollinator Plant Sale

Our next pollinator plant sale will take place in the spring of 2026! Enjoy a wide selection of native plants that benefit butterflies, bees, and other native pollinators. All plant sale proceeds benefit Project Pollinator, our community gardening initiative.

Are you wondering which plants attract which butterflies? Check out these resources:

Plant Kit Giveaway Program

In furtherance of the Project Pollinator mission, the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House will award kits of pollinator plants to 2 qualifying community organizations each year.

Each kit will consist of 32 native pollinator plants.

In addition, the awarded organization will receive a consultation with a Butterfly House horticulture or education staff member so they may ask questions about their plants or garden site.

To apply for a grant the organization must complete the application form and meet the requirements listed at the start of the application. The 2025 application is currently closed. Check back in early 2026 for next year's application!

Bring Project Pollinator into your Classroom!

Life in the Dirt (preK–3)
Observe soil and soil-loving insects and plant seeds that develop into a pollinator-attracting plant that you can take home to start your own beneficial bug garden.

Backyard Bugs (K–2)
Discover new facts about backyard bugs with a craft that focuses on four plants and the pollinators they attract.

Enhance your visit to the Butterfly House with an Outdoor Garden Tour!
Observe beneficial bug-attracting plants and butterfly host plants up close. We will observe many of our smallest guests from lacewings to butterflies. Click these links for more information on tours and outreach programs.

Call our Education Department at (314) 577-0888 x 2 or email butterflyhouseeducation@mobot.org to schedule a class or tour.

Observe

	Watch for pollinators visiting your flowers. Make a nature journal or take photographs to document the different species that visit. Learn about the native insects that live in your area: iNaturalist is a great source for identifying animals and plants you see. BugGuide is a valuable source for identifying any native insect.

Make a Difference

Bee house

Plant native plants that provide nectar and larval foods for pollinators.
Be conscious of bloom time so that your garden will supply nectar year-round.
Wild Ones provides Native Landscaping Grants for non-profits looking to establish pollinator gardens.
Reduce pesticide use.
Replace lawn areas with planting beds or habitat for beneficial insects.
Build a nest for native bees.
- The Xerces Society has many helpful handouts on how to build bee nests. They also provide information on building tunnel nests for bees.
Volunteer for garden groups or nature-based organizations.
Support local farmers and local plant nurseries.

Contact projectpollinator@mobot.org with inquires and information needs.

Our Partners

Project Pollinator benefits from the advice and support of 14 local conservation agencies. We are proud to call them our partners. Please visit their websites to get more information on how you can make a positive impact on native wildlife in your neighborhood.