Bee Aware of Pollinators

Pollinators play a critical role in ensuring healthy ecosystems and a thriving agricultural industry in the Commonwealth, and we are dedicated to protecting these important species through the Commonwealth’s Growing Wild Massachusetts movement. Now in its third year, Growing Wild Massachusetts is a joint effort between the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) in which Bay State residents are encouraged to plant pollinatorfriendly plants and help boost pollinator populations by creating native habitats in their own yards. Growing Wild Massachusetts is partnering with MNLA in 2023 to expand the outreach and education of professionals and consumers. MNLA Members looking to get involved should contact the MNLA office directly at mnlaoffice@aol.com to learn how they can participate.

Pollinators include bees, birds, bats, butterflies and other species. Over 45 percent of agricultural commodities in Massachusetts rely on pollinator species for crop pollination and food production. Pollinator species provide significant environmental benefits that are necessary for maintaining healthy, diverse ecosystems, and produce valuable products including honey, propolis, royal jelly and wax. However, many pollinator species are struggling due to loss of forage and habitat, the spread of invasive plant and insect species, climate change, and improper use of pesticides. In an effort to promote and protect pollinator habitat on DCR land, the agency continues to plant pollinator gardens, manage wildflower meadows, and maintain limitedmow zones. While DCR properties provide habitat for a variety of native species, public lands alone cannot support the needs of native pollinators. Everyone has a role to play in protecting and enhancing native habitat. DCR and MDAR are encouraging residents to support the Growing Wild Massachusetts movement by planting pollinator-friendly native plant habitat in their yards, patios, or window boxes. Each spring, we provide the public with free Growing Wild Massachusetts starter kits and other educational resources to create pollinator-friendly native plant habitats and boost pollinator populations. We also partner with plant nurseries, schools, and others to promote Growing Wild Massachusetts and hand out the starter kits, making this a familyfriendly activity as well as a great learning opportunity. The pollinator habitat starter kits feature live plants, a Growing Wild Massachusetts yard sign, and a journal to track seasonal plant growth and pollinator activity.