What do pollinators do?
Pollination, the transfer of pollen from the anthers of a flower to the stigma of the same flower or another flower, is vital to our food supply. Insects and other animals are a key element in this transfer. In fact, one of every three bites of food depends on the work of pollinators!
In Maine, there are many different kinds of pollinators, such as bees, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds, all of which need our help! Both native and domestic pollinator populations are declining, affected by habitat loss, climate change, and contact with pesticides.
UMaine Master Gardener Volunteers are taking action to protect pollinators by certifying gardens as pollinator-friendly and educating the gardening public and educating the gardening public. School gardens can join this effort by providing food and habitat for native insects and animals. Pollinators will, in turn, provide the pollination needed to protect our plant diversity and food sources.
Certifying Your School Garden
Certifying your school garden as “Pollinator-Friendly” will help support a healthy ecosystem for our community and our future, and will help to spread the word about the importance of pollinators.
In order to apply for this garden certification, review these requirements:
- Step 1: Provide Food for Pollinators
- Step 2: Provide Water Sources for Pollinators
- Step 3: Provide Shelter for Pollinators
- Step 4: Safeguarding Pollinator Habitat
Once you’ve reviewed these steps, fill out your application!
Certified gardens are eligible to purchase a UMaine Extension Pollinator-Friendly Garden sign for $30.00. Both the certificate and the sign show your commitment to conserve pollinator habitats. Your sign purchase also supports UMaine and UNH Extension Master Gardener Volunteers to continue their quest to educate the public about the importance of pollinators.
Request for Educational Programming
Please let Maine Cooperative Extension know how they can provide educational programming for your school garden.
Click this link for a map of certified pollinator friendly gardens near you!
Want to know more?
- Send a message via this online contact form.
- Look for Laurie Bowen, Maine Cooperative Extension Food Systems Program Associate, at Maine School Garden Day on May 13th to hear first hand more about this program! Register Now
