FRCOG's Pollinator Action Plan

The Greenfield Pollinator Action Plan was developed as part of a regional plan by the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG).  Noting the sharp decline of pollinators such as bees and beneficial insects, FRCOG developed the Action Plan, released in 2021. The Plan hopes to combat the reduction of habitat which, coupled with damaging management practices including overuse of pesticides and herbicides, has led to the decline of pollinators.  

Restoration of habitat can be done not just in undeveloped areas, but also in developed areas such as residential areas and parks. Eight communities in Franklin County are working together to re-estabish the kind of habit necessary for pollinators and other wildlife to thrive.  Connecting these via Corridors keeps individual populations from becoming isolated, increasing the chance that they can migrate as needed and improving the genetic diversity of each population.

In Greenfield, the Pollinator Action Plan highlights two existing pollinator corridors: the Green River Corridor and surrounding riparian habitat, and Rocky Mountain Park/Temple Woods, which links to the Connecticut River.  The major utility corridor through north Greenfield, and the roadsides mown by DPW, could be managed to provide habitat for wildlife, including pollinators.  Parks and public gardens are being developed into another corridor.   

But we can – and are – doing more in Greenfield to create pollinator-friendly spaces.  This website highlights public gardens that together form 'stepping stones' in Greenfield's Pollinator Corridor.  The Greenfield Tree Committee is planting native trees along streets, both to beautify neighborhoods, and to create connections between pollinator havens.  Greening Greenfield is active in planting and maintaining public pollinator gardens – and in encouraging individuals to plant and maintain their property with pollinators in mind.  We all have a part to play in restoring needed habitat.