Why is Our Pollinator Garden Important?

Pollinator populations are at risk due to loss of habitat. Further development of roads, farms, and lawns destroy the native plant species that pollinators rely on for food and laying eggs. The use of pesticides and insecticides in these areas also kill these key pollinator species. In our garden, and gardens across the country, we dedicate the space to growing native plants, so that pollinators have a place to grow, and hopefully increase their numbers. Pollinators are important for more than just the native flowers in our gardens, as they help surrounding trees and crops flourish and grow as well. Providing these hard working insects with a safe and uninterrupted habitat is one of the foundational ways of protecting the ecosystem around us. 

History of Our Garden

Brandywine Creek State Park has been known for its natural native beauties, including its wildflowers, since the 1960s. Many of the species found in our pollinator garden today are the same ones that could be found in the park decades ago, including cinquefoils, bergamot, and butterfly weed. However, the park did not establish a specific part of the land to be dedicated to pollinator friendly plants until the early 2010s. It was around this time that pollinator population decline was arising as a point of national discussion, particularly surrounding bees. In the mid-2000s, a phenomena called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) was observed, where a rising number of beehives around the nation were found empty. In order to combat CCD, there was a widespread effort to implement pollinator gardens, including here at BCSP. Our garden has been grown and upkept over the years by dedicated volunteers, campers, and park staff, and today provides an ideal habitat for all of our local pollinators. 

Plants Found in our Garden

Pollinators Found in our Garden

Not pictured but also important pollinators: Ants, Various Beetles, Cicada Killer Hornets, Various Wasps