The Making Of A Pollinator Pantry

Creating a local movement and a feast for bees and butterflies

By Molly Olten
Photos: St. Louis County Parks

Pollinator populations are shrinking around the world. Invasive pests, exposure to pesticides and other chemicals, loss of habitat, loss of species, and changing climate have all contributed to the pollinators’ decline. Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are in trouble.

Pollinators provide more than just honey. They help bring us one out of every three bites of food we take and pollinate billions of dollars’ worth of crops annually. We have pollinators to thank for vegetables, fruits, nuts, and many other foods. In short, if they don’t eat, we don’t eat.

A Million Gardens

To slow the decline, many pollinator initiatives were developed on national and local levels. In 2015, the National Pollinator Garden Network launched the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge to inspire people and organizations to create more pollinator habitats and increase nectar- and pollen-providing landscapes of every size.

Taking this cue from the national movement, St. Louis County Parks and the St. Louis County Parks Foundation took on this challenge and expanded it to create a local effort in the area, partnering with the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis County Library system, Missouri Department of Conservation, University of Missouri Extension, nonprofit organizations, and local garden centers. From this collaboration, Project Pollinator and Pollinator Pantry were created. The official launch was held in March 2016 at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House. In attendance were the St. Louis County Executive and other local leaders to drive home the region’s commitment to pollinators.

Both Pollinator Pantry and Project Pollinator are dedicated to protecting habitats with the mission to promote an appreciation of all pollinators through education and creation of pollinator gardens.

Education

Helping others understand the larger role that pollinators play in the environment is the first step to turning thought into action. Pollinator Pantry educates the public through materials, classes, and gardening projects.

Pollinator Pantry produces a free yearly guide to pollinators and planting that is included in Gateway Gardener magazine and available online. The guide makes it easy for people to get started in protecting and feeding pollinators. The guide features pollinators, information about them, and the best plants to attract them. If someone wants to attract bees, the guide walks readers through what to plant in the spring, summer, and fall that will be of most benefit.

Pollinator Pantry also sponsors programs such as the Master Pollinator Steward, presented by the University of Missouri Extension Service. In this seven-week class, students learn how to protect the environment, agricultural economy, and food supply. Pollinator education isn’t only for adults. Pollinator education is presented to children through the monthly Children’s Garden Club meetings organized by St. Louis County Parks. Attendance can sometimes total 200 participants. At the meetings, children, along with their parents, are provided a hands-on gardening project and taught lessons on different aspects of gardening or pollinators.

School groups and scout groups have taken part in building pollinator gardens as well. Scouts helped build two pollinator gardens at two county parks.

Demonstration Gardens

Another component of Pollinator Pantry and Project Pollinator efforts is to provide demonstration gardens at county parks, libraries, and other public venues.

St. Louis County Parks has planted gardens in seven parks and included signage at each location. Passersby can read about the garden and what benefits it provides. In addition to these gardens, St. Louis County Parks also planted native prairies in 14 locations, which total 366 acres.

Pollinator plant sales are hosted in the spring by the Missouri Botanical Garden, and are a one-stop-shop for those interested in starting their own garden. Horticulture experts help visitors plan the gardens and have a variety of native plants available that benefit butterflies, bees, and other native pollinators.

Recognition

Pollinator Pantry promotes the planting of pollinator-friendly landscapes through a garden certification program. Those who certify their garden receive recognition for their commitment to the future of pollinators. The program is available for individuals with small home gardens to businesses or organizations with large gardens.

An annual Project Pollinator event brings together experts on native bees and other pollinators and provides a yearly refresher with updated information to the public. This gathering brings attention and recognition to those who made strides in helping protect or provide for pollinators. In the past, nurseries with pollinator-focused education, individuals, and members of the media promoting pollinators have been honored.

In the Future

Through education, demonstration, and recognition, Pollinator Pantry has grown into a community-driven program. Schools, scouts, churches, volunteers, as well as nonprofit and private organizations, come together and help lead this effort. Pollinator Pantry’s mission of education and building habitats will continue with yearly events, publications, and outreach.

Start Your Own Program

Building a local movement can be a difficult task, but with the right components it will thrive. The key elements that allowed Pollinator Pantry to gain momentum involved partnerships, public education, demonstrations, and recognition of participants.

A local botanical garden, gardening clubs, for-profit garden centers, and universities and other educational institutions can help develop a program and offer an outlet to provide materials and hold lessons and classes. The variety of educational elements, like classes, guides, children’s clubs, and annual events, make it easy for the public to join in. The demonstration gardens and plant sales help build an understanding of what plants are pollinator-friendly. Whether someone has an entire backyard to fill or a pot on an apartment balcony, no pollinator garden is too small. Another helpful step is to recognize those who participate, help spread the message, and show appreciation to those who are dedicated to the program.

In 2019, the National Pollinator Garden Network reached its goal through the Million Pollinator Gardens Challenge. By turning the national movement into local momentum, the efforts of St. Louis County Parks and the St. Louis County Parks Foundation have helped protect one of the world’s most valuable resources.

Molly Olten is the Public Information Coordinator for St. Louis County Parks. Reach her at Molten@stlouisco.com.