Pollinator and Native Landscape

Our Mission

• Why native species are crucial to the health of our natural ecosystems and the future of our world; 
• Why invasive species are harmful to the environment, the economy and human health;
• How to identify native plants and invasive plants in Maryland;
• How to focus primarily on native plants and control invasives in the landscape;
• How to identify native and non-native insect species;
• How to attract beneficial insects, other animals and microorganisms; and
• How to include IPM (Integrated Pest Management) techniques in your garden and landscape routines.
             

Why Plant Natives?

ENJOY A BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE             

The many textures, colors and habits of native plants can be combined in attractive designs. Choose a natural-looking or more formal style. 

PRESERVE MARYLAND’S BIODIVERSITY

Positively impact natural areas near your home.  Locally native gardens benefit pollinators and reduce risk to wild plant populations.

SUPPORT BIRDS AND POLLINATORS

Many bees provision their nests with pollen from native plants, and butterflies and moths eat native species at the larval stage. Birds, in turn, feed an abundance of these caterpillars to their young. Going native supports this whole food web.

IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AND REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

Conventional gardens often employ fertilizers, pesticides, supplemental water, and fossil-fuel using machinery – resulting in poor soil health, more erosion, and polluted stormwater runoff. 

************************************************************************

How You Can Help Pollinators

PROVIDE FOOD

Plant a succession of native blooms of different shapes, sizes and colors from spring to fall

Choose a variety of plants that support caterpillars.

Plant densely, using native groundcovers as “green mulch” and leaving some bare soil for the 70 percent of native bee species that nest in the ground.

Choose native species over cultivars.

Plant in drifts of 3+ to be noticed by pollinators.

PROVIDE WATER SOURCES including mud-puddling areas for butterflies. (Refresh water oftento deter mosquitoes. )

PROVIDE SHELTER and nesting sites for bees, caterpillars and others by leaving fallen leaves where possible and incorporating dead wood (stalks, logs, stumps) into the garden.

SAFEGUARD POLLINATOR HABITAT

Action 1: Control Invasive Plants

Action 2: Avoid Pesticides

****************************************************************

Virtual Consultations and Questions

If you have a question or would like to ask for help with your garden, please contact us at:

MDPollinator@gmail.com
*********************************************************************

Certify Your Habitat to Help Wildlife!

Wildlife habitat gardens are a haven for local birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.  Tell us how your yard or garden provides habitat and the National Wildlife Federation will recognize it as a Certified Wildlife Habitat®.

 “National Wildlife Federation’s Wildlife Habitat Registration”