Doublas spiraea and ocean spray in the hedgerow at the Conservation Resource Center.
Native pollinator hedgerows help people, wildlife, and the environment. Unlike a traditional hedge that may have only one type of plant, a hedgerow contains many different native trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers. These plants provide food, shelter, and nesting places for birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife throughout the year.
Hedgerows are often used on farms to block wind and help keep soil in place. In towns and cities, they help bring back places where wildlife can live. They can also provide privacy, improve the look of a property, and require less work than large, overgrown hedges. As trees grow, they provide shade and help manage stormwater. This helps reduce water pollution in nearby streams and creeks.
Common yarrow and red flower currant are hardy pollinator favorites.
Hedgerows at the Conservation Resource Center
In March 2020, staff from the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District built 2 native pollinator hedgerows at the District’s Conservation Resource Center. Staff used shovels, wheelbarrows, and rakes to plant the hedgerow on two berms along the front of the property. Together, the berms are about 400 feet long and 15 feet wide. The soil used to build the berms came from work done before the construction of the District’s permanent office.
Which Plants to Include in a Pollinator Hedgerow?
District staff chose native flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees from local native plant sales. The plants were selected to bloom from early spring through late fall. This helps provide food for pollinators during the growing season. Different plant sizes and shapes also create homes for many kinds of wildlife.
Staff planted 350 native plants on the two hedgerows. See the list of plants used by the District by following this link.
This Hedgerow Bloom Time Chart can help when planning your own pollinator hedgerow.
The District’s hedgerow features plants of varying heights like Oregon sunshine and Douglas spiraea.
The hedgerow shows how native plants can improve both the environment and a property. While it will still need some care, it is easier to manage than a large hedge. It also provides food and shelter for wildlife, supports pollinators, and makes the landscape more attractive for the community.
Interested in Learning More About Native Plants and Pollinator Habitat?
Sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn about a featured Native Plant of the Month. (The sign-up is located at the bottom, left hand side of our website’s home page.)
Explore our Document Library to find a wide variety of publications and information about native plants.
Learn about the Backyard Habitat Certification Program. This popular program is supported by the District and provides many resources to home gardeners to improve pollinator and wildlife habitat right in their own backyards.