Project Pollinator

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. For the 2025 application click HERE. The application is available January 1–March 31, 2024. Winners will be notified at the beginning of April.

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.

• 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.

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.