Maryland Pollinator Atlas

This resource is presented by members of the  Maryland Master Gardner Program run by the University of Maryland Extension Office.

Our Mission

As Maryland Master Gardners supporting our Maryland Pollinator Atlas project, we provide programs to educate and advise the public on:

• 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 Native Plants

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 often to 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

Inspiration

Explore our Garden Inspiration resources.

Templates

We have researched, compiled and provided resouces for our reommened Garden Plans and Templates.  These are offered in over two dozen languages.

Sample Template

Phenology

Phenology is the study of seasonal changes in nature—like when flowers bloom, bees emerge, or birds nest. 

Plants

Here you'll find descriptions, growing tips, nativity information and pollinators for over 300 of our native and other common garden plants.

Native Landscape Benefits

Maryland’s native landscapes play a vital role in sustaining healthy ecosystems. By planting native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses, we create habitat that supports diverse wildlife and provides essential ecosystem services. Native plants have co-evolved with local fauna – they offer food and shelter for animals, require less water and chemicals, and even improve soil and water quality . In fact, University of Maryland Extension advises gardeners to “plant native plants” because they furnish natural food sources and cover for birds, small mammals, butterflies, and other beneficial insects . Through these rich plant-animal relationships, native gardens promote biodiversity, enhance pest control, boost pollination, and protect water quality in our region .

Amphibians

Bats

Bats: Maryland’s Nighttime Allies - When the sun goes down, the pollinator shift doesn’t stop—it just changes wings. While bees and butterflies rest, moths emerge to pollinate flowers that bloom in the evening, and bats take to the skies to feast on night-flying insects. Together, these often-overlooked nocturnal creatures help keep our native plant communities thriving.

Birds

From hummingbirds and warblers to hawks and herons, Maryland’s birds depend on native plants for food, shelter, and nesting. Insects supported by native vegetation are the key to raising healthy chicks. Explore how meadows, forests, and wetlands help our feathered friends thrive year-round.

Learn more about Maryland Native Birds and there relationships to our Native Plants in our Bird resources and Garden Templates for Birds.

Fish

Maryland’s streams, rivers, ponds, and bays are home to over 100 species of freshwater and estuarine fish. Aquatic and shoreline vegetation provide shelter, spawning areas, and food for native fish from brook trout to sunfish. Dive into the plant-fish connection and streamside stewardship and learn more here.

Insects

Maryland's native insects are unsung heroes, vital to the state's ecological health and natural beauty.   Learn more about how Insects serve a vital role in pollination and more about those insects featured in our garden templates.

Reptiles

Reptiles: Turtles, snakes, and lizards may be cold-blooded, but they’re vital to warm, thriving ecosystems. Many reptiles rely on sun-drenched native plant zones, woodland edges, and wetlands for basking, nesting, and feeding. See how to support Maryland’s reptile diversity with the right plants and habitat structure.

Small Animals

Discover how native meadows, forests, and wetlands support Maryland’s smallest wild neighbors—chipmunks, mice, rabbits, and more. These creatures help cycle nutrients, disperse seeds, and feed owls, foxes, and hawks. Explore their habitats and the native plants that shelter and nourish them.  Learn more here.

Large Animals

From white-tailed deer to black bears, Maryland’s large mammals rely on healthy native landscapes for food, cover, and migration. Learn how native plantings, forests, and meadow corridors help support these animals and the ecosystems they shape.

Insects

Maryland's native insects are unsung heroes, vital to the state's ecological health and natural beauty.   Learn more about how Insects serve a vital role in pollination and more about those insects featured in our garden templates.

Birds

Learn more about Maryland Native Birds and there relationships to our Native Plants in our Bird resources and Garden Templates for Birds.

Ethical Considerations

We provide a section on Ethics for your thoughtful consideration.

Parks

We are blessed with many beautfil Parks, Preserves and Recreational Areas here in Maryland.  We've put together some resources for exploring and understanding the Native Plants, Pollinator Relationships and Native American Plant Usage for many of these beautiful places.  Over 50 of these special areas are highlighted.

Sources of Native Plants

Looking for Native Plant Nursaries and Sales?  Check out Sources of Native Plants

Recommended Reading

Please find some good reading and referance books at our Recommended Reading section.

School Resources

Look here for Resouces for Childrens' and School programs.

Citizen Science Programs

Consider learning from and partisipating in these Citizen Science Programs.

Justice for All

The USDA is one of our main sponsors and encourages us all to learn more about their Justice for All Program

Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence

Please see our Artificial Intelligence section.

Revision History

Please see our Revision History section.

About

Please see our About section.