Brainstorming Solutions
For Gardeners (4,5)
Maintain the natural landscape (do not introducing non-native plants into the area)
Utilize feeders (ex. hummingbird feeders) to entice pollinators and keep them in the area
Decrease the use of pesticides/herbicides utilized in gardening to preserve the environmental integrity of the habitat
For Farmers (3,5)
Decrease the use of pesticides/herbicides/insecticides
Lessen the acts of burning, moving, tilling, cultivating, grazing and cropping over a large vicinity. Breaking up the region into small areas, allows for local diversity to grow alongside crops and farmed goods.
Allow leafy vegetables to flower before harvesting.
For Homeowners (4,5)
Plant a pollinator garden.
Weed your garden on a regular basis.
Avoid using pesticides/herbicides.
Utilize hummingbird feeders, especially if you live in an area that does not allow wildflower gardens. Hang as many feeders as you can to draw a multitude of pollinators to the area.
If you live in a complex managed by a homeowner's association, petition for the requirement of pollinator gardens in every yard.
For College Students (4,5)
Hang hummingbird feeders from dorm windows.
Develop a community garden at your school with plants native to the area.
Updating Conservation Methods (7)
Larval stage conservation: current conservation is focused more so on the adult-stage plants that they feed on, rather than the plants that the larval-stage feeds on
Alternative agricultural methods: non-toxic chemicals, regulations on fertilizers, large-scale protection and management
Not combining collapsing colonies with strong colonies
Protection for pollinators under legislation
For detailed instructions about the best way to build your pollinator garden, click here.