Pollinator pathways

A pollinator pathway is a corridor of habitat between larger habitats. Large pollinator pathways are needed by migrating species. For example, the monarch butterfly needs a pollinator pathway across the North America to Mexico to give it places to rest and refuel all along its great migration. Many birds also benefit from pollinator pathways since the native plants that benefit pollinators also support the needs of migrating birds.

This might seem like an issue for national and international policy makers and it is important that they take up this cause. However, there is a lot the home gardener can do too besides vote. We need to connect our yards, filling in missing pieces between larger habitat areas. We can think of our yards as steeping stones in a larger habitat mosaic. Our yards are essential pieces of pollinator habitat but they need to be connected.

Highways and subdivisions lead to landscape fragmentation where habitats are carved into pieces. Insects and animals can become genetically isolated when they are kept from find mates by barriers between habitable spaces. Often, wildlife will continue to try to move between safe spaces and be killed along the way.

We need to focus on connectivity between wildlife areas. Native plant gardens that adjoin parks, streams, or common ground offer exponentially more value to wildlife then just one yard standing alone. We can ask our neighbors and city planners to join us in making safe spaces for pollinators and all wildlife to live. As our urban areas sprawl, planning for wildlife becomes even more important. Unused lawn and weedy shrub borders can be transitioned to native habitat that wildlife can use to travel between larger wild areas.

Let’s invite our neighbors to join us in the creation of pollinator pathways across our communities. Educational signs in our yards and parks as well as talking to our community groups spread our message. Local native plant give away events will help spread plants that pollinators need in each neighborhood. Flowering and fruiting trees are a one plant way to make a big impact for pollinators and migrants. Pass on the word about pollinator pathways.

Learn more at www.pollinaor-pathway.org