Project Pollinator

project_pollinator_HORIZ

The Butterfly House has joined with St. Louis County Parks and Libraries to be a part of the national movement to protect pollinators and their habitats through our newly-launched initiative, Project Pollinator.

The mission of Project Pollinator is to promote an appreciation of all pollinators through education and creation of pollinator gardens. Our goal is to educate the public about the importance of pollinators, beyond the familiar bees and butterflies, and to provide demonstration gardens at county parks, libraries and other public venues.

We launched on March 15th, 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.

Bring Project Pollinator into your Classroom!
  • Children in pollinator gardenLife 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.

    This presentation includes a free visit (to be scheduled separately) from a Butterfly House horticulturist to guide the construction or enhancement of a school pollinator-attracting garden.
  • Backyard Bugs (K–2)
    Discover new facts about backyard bugs with a craft that focuses on four plants and the pollinators they attract.

    This presentation includes a free visit (to be scheduled separately) from a Butterfly House horticulturist to guide the construction or enhancement of a school pollinator-attracting garden.

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 guided 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.

Pollinator Garden Kit Application

In furtherance of the Project Pollinator mission, the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House will award kits of pollinator plants to 5 qualifying community organizations each year. 

Each kit will consist of:

  • 76 native pollinator plants.

In addition, the awarded organization will receive:

  • A one-hour pollinator garden consultation with “an expert” horticulture or education staff from the Butterfly House.
  • A referral to a Project Pollinator Sponsoring Nursery where they will receive a 10% discount on additional purchases for the pollinator garden.
  • Recipients may also submit a request for a $100 gift card from the Sponsoring Nursery. (Supplies are limited).

To apply for a grant the organization must complete the application form and meet the requirements listed at the start of the application. Submissions accepted August 1 through December 15. Recipients will be notified by February 28.

Apply here for a pollinator gardening kit for your organization!

Background

Bee on echinaceaPollinators contribute to the health of humans, the environment and the economy:

  • Every third bite of food we eat is made possible by a pollinator.
  • More than 75 percent of flowering plants rely on animal pollinators.
  • Many plants rely on only one animal for pollination.
  • Every year, pollinators contribute to nearly $30 billion of U.S. crops.
  • The decline in pollinators makes access to and availability of affordable fruits and vegetables more difficult.
Observe
Swallowtail caterpillar on spicebush 
  • 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:
    • The IDnature web guide is a great source for identifying butterflies you see.
    • BugGuide is a valuable source for identifying any native insect.
Make a Difference
  • Bee housePlant 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.
  • 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.