The Arivaca Pollinator Pathway Project
The Arivaca Pollinator Pathway Project is a volunteer-driven project with a mission to:
Build public gardens in the town of Arivaca that provide a linked pathway of healthy habitat for Monarchs and other butterflies, bees, bats, and other pollinators adjacent to the butterfly-rich Arivaca Cienega unit of Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge;
Encourage and assist local residents in growing pollinator-friendly plants through the Home Gardener Program;
Grow local knowledge about pollinators through free classes, special events, online education resources, colorful murals, signage, and brochures.
Visit our google photo album for photos of the beautiful public gardens created so far, and visit our Facebook page for all the latest project news!
Why this project? Why now?
Climate change, pesticides, and the loss of pollinator habitats over the last 100 years has led to an alarming decline in the numbers of butterflies, bees, bats, and other native pollinators worldwide. The migratory monarch butterfly and lesser long-nosed bat are two endangered species that are part of the Arivaca biome. Taking action to preserve remaining habitat and create additional habitat is something we can do to help all pollinators thrive. Research has shown that habitat pockets that are linked to one another and nearby natural areas can support a greater diversity of pollinators due to the availability of a wider variety of both nectar sources and caterpillar host plants.
The Arivaca Pollinator Pathway Project’s linked gardens, along with their proximity to the adjacent Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge at the Arivaca Cienega, are creating healthy habitat for pollinators while fostering a sense of community among Arivaca’s human residents.
Learn more about this project by clicking on the menu bar in the upper left corner!