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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 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.

 

 

Project Pollinator Plant Sale

Don't miss our annual pollinator plant sale! Our next pollinator plant sale will take place April 2023! Enjoy a wide selection of native plants that benefit butterflies, bees, and other native pollinators. All plant sales proceeds benefit Project Pollinator, our community gardening initiative.

An in-person plant sale will take place, at Pollinator Fair Days on April 29 and 30 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Admission to the Butterfly House or a valid Garden Membership is required to visit the in-person plant sale on April 29 and 30. 

Our Online Plant Sale runs each Spring.  

The 2023 Online Project Pollinator Plant Sale is now CLOSED. 

Pickup dates for these orders will take place on April 22 and 23, at the Butterfly House. Additional instructions on pickup location will be included on the Online Plant Sale site and in your order confirmation.

Wondering what 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.
  • A referral to a Project Pollinator Sponsoring Nursery where they will receive a 10% discount on additional purchases for the pollinator garden.

To apply for a grant the organization must complete the application form and meet the requirements listed at the start of the application. For the 2023 application click HERE.  The application is available Jan 1 - March 31, 2023

 

Bring Project Pollinator into your Classroom!

Children in pollinator garden

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

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:
    • 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.
  • 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.