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Trees Forever, partners and volunteers work hard to plant trees, grasses and forbes to create habitat for pollinators. Pollinators, such as birds, bats, butterflies and insects, are vital to creating a healthy future. In fact, pollinators are directly responsible for about every third bite of food we consume.
Plant and maintain native trees, shrubs and prairie for food and shelter. Ensure year-round blooms, plant a mix of colors and group flowers by species. Talk to your neighbors about how having more habitat in the neighborhood helps pollinators have better access to food and nesting sites.
In the fall, leave plants and branches to provide winter shelter. Untilled soil and woody materials provide nesting habitat for ground and tunnel nesters. Nesting habitat should be close to food sources; foraging range is anywhere from 50 feet to one half mile.
Protect from disturbances such as excessive mowing, grazing and pesticide drift. Plant buffers to reduce chemical drift from adjacent fields (or lawns). Be aware of proper timing and method of application.
Share our pollinator fact sheet and learn which trees and shrubs to plant for pollinators.
Many Trees Forever programs are focused on creating pollinator habitat. Our staff and programs try to incorporate the creation of habitat whenever we can. Here are a few programs heavily focused on habitat for birds, bees, bats and other pollinators.
Iowa's Living Roadways Projects
Trees Forever Pollinator Habitat Conservation
Working Watersheds: Buffers & Beyond