What are pollinators? Why are they important?

Pollinators are animals such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds that feed on the sugary nectar in flowers. As they feed, they spread pollen from one flower to another. Pollinators help plants make seeds and fruits! Many of the plants we rely on for food, medicine, and materials are pollinated by butterflies and bees.

How can you help?

By planting a Monarch butterfly waystation and pollinator garden, you can provide food, shelter, and a place for pollinators to lay eggs! 

A successful waystation is:

• Minimum 100 square feet
• Pesticide-free
• Has 3 bunches of 3 milkweed plants (9 plants total)
• Has additional clusters of nectar plants
• Has a shallow watering hole

Be sure to watch for Monarchs and other pollinators in Spring and be mindful of eggs and caterpillars that may be living in your garden!

See the side bar for resources to help you choose the best plants for your gardening space.

How can I benefit from a Monarch Butterfly Waystation and Pollinator Garden?

A pollinator garden can be a beautiful addition to your landscape! Most of the plants we recommend are easy to grow, requiring little maintenance and watering. By providing pollinator habitat, you can support the health of insect pollinator populations that pollinate the plants we all use for food, materials, and medicine.

Windsor water customers may also be eligible for a turf rebate if existing turf is replaced with a pollinator garden. For more information, please visit Water Efficient Landscape Rebate | Windsor, CA - Official Website (townofwindsor.com) 

Thank you to the Windsor Garden Club for helping to create these resources!