Coopertown Pollination Stations

~ A Project of the Coopertown Beeautification Crew~

What is a pollination station?

A Coopertown Pollination Station is a garden plot intentionally designed to host pollinators. It should:

Be a plot of land visible from the sidewalk or street, at least three feet by three feet big. (It can, but does not have to be, on the strip of grass next to the street).
Include at least 5 species of plants known to support pollinators (preferably plants native to the Mid-Atlantic region). See plant lists below.
Not use pesticides or chemicals that harm pollinators or other wildlife.

What are pollinators?

Pollinators are creatures who move from flower to flower and help with cross-pollination. Pollination is what allows plants to reproduce. Pollinators include bees, butterflies, many species of wasp, hummingbirds, hoverflies, and bats. Pennsylvania has 437 bee species, and 146 species of butterfly have been reported here.

Why should I care about pollinators?

Pollinators are fascinating, beautiful creatures with their own lives. They are also critical to human survival: they support reproduction in 90% of the world’s flowering plants. More than 150 food crops depend on pollinators, including almost all fruit and grain crops. Pollinators support our gardens, and they keep meadows and forests healthy. The plants in those gardens, meadows, and forests clean the air and prevent soil erosion, keeping waterways clean. It’s all connected!

How can I help pollinators?

You may have heard that the monarch butterfly is endangered. Many other bees and creatures are also struggling. One major problem is lack of habitat and food sources. American suburbs often look lush but are a “green desert” for pollinators: green lawn, ornamental shrubs, and mulch, but little to eat, no place to raise young, and dangerous pesticides everywhere. We can change that together! Imagine Coopertown as a pollinator haven, a butterfly highway, where every street offers food and habitat. That's what a pollination station provides.

Why are native plants important?

Pollinators often depend on a specific species of plant. For example, Monarch butterflies can only lay their eggs on milkweed plants. The plants and pollinators in a particular region have adapted to each other. When you plant flowers, shrubs, and trees native to your geographical region, you are supporting the insects, birds, and bats native to your region. Native plants are the anchor of the food web. Not sure which plants are native? See the plant lists below.

Who started the Coopertown Pollination Stations?

The Coopertown BEEautification Crew started the pollination station effort in 2022. It is a volunteer team of grown-ups and kids who live in Coopertown and who are committed to supporting pollinators in our neighborhood. Our vision is that Coopertown would become a pollinator haven, a butterfly highway, where every street offers food and habitat to pollinators.

How can I get involved?

Plant your own pollination station! Remember that a Coopertown Pollination Station is visible from the street or sidewalk, is at least 3' x 3' big, contains at least 5 species of plants known to support pollinators (preferably plants native to the Mid-Atlantic region), and does not use pesticides, including mosquito sprays.
Ask for our help in planning and planting a pollination station. Our group can gather volunteers, including neighborhood kids, who will help you with the labor. Reach out to us for help.
Once your garden is planted, reach out to us to purchase a sign. Signs cost $XX.
Volunteer to help us build pollinator gardens in the neighborhood. Reach out to us to volunteer.
Connect with us on Facebook! Click here to request to join our Facebook group.