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.