Welcome a pollinator!
Plant an Unusable Area
This June, in honor of National Pollinator Month, consider welcoming pollinators to your yard or garden. We have gathered several helpful tips to help you get started.
Consider planting native, non-invasive plants in an unused area of your property. You likely will not miss the space, and pollinators will benefit from the new food source. Choosing plants that bloom at different times throughout the summer will provide nectar and pollen for a longer period.
Invite a Pollinator for a Drink
Provide a clean and reliable source of water for pollinators. Features such as ponds, small pools, fountains, shallow containers, and birdbaths can all provide drinking water. Remember to include a shallow area or gently sloping edge so pollinators can safely reach the water without the risk of drowning. Even a small branch that is heavy enough to stay in place can provide a safe landing spot for pollinators while they drink water.
Offer Shelter to a Little Friend
Nesting sites are important for the survival of pollinators. There are several simple ways to provide shelter.
- First, create layers in your landscape by planting trees, shrubs, and flowering plants of different heights. This provides protected areas where pollinators can feed and build nests.
- Second, leave dead trees or branches in place when it is safe. In the fall, leave hollow-stemmed plants that may have pollinators nesting for the winter! You may also install pollinator nesting boxes. These boxes can be purchased from many retailers or built at home.
- Third, leave some areas of bare soil uncovered so ground-nesting insects can easily dig tunnels and create nests underground. Piling dead branches over this area will keep folks from walking on the entrances to the nests.
Hold off on Pesticides
Pollinators can be harmed by pesticides, but there are several ways to reduce or avoid their use. Consider planting native species in your garden. Native plants are well adapted to local conditions and often have fewer pest problems, reducing the need for chemical treatments. You can also support healthy plant growth by removing diseased plants and clearing away infected leaves from the previous year. Pruning out insect-infested branches or hand-pulling weeds is another effective alternative to using herbicides and can be a great way to spend time outdoors. If pesticide use is necessary, always read and follow the label instructions. Apply pesticides only when plants are not in bloom. Spray in the evening when pollinators are less likely to be active and avoid spraying near bee nesting areas.
Need Help Building Pollinator Habitat?
The Backyard Habitat Certification Program is available to people living in urban areas with properties smaller than one acre. If your property is larger than one acre, please contact the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District for assistance.
The Backyard Habitat program helps homeowners create safe and healthy spaces for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. Small changes can make a big difference. Actions such as removing invasive weeds, using natural pest control methods, and planting native plants can improve habitat and support local wildlife. The program provides participants with the tools and resources needed to make these improvements.
After enrolling, a habitat technician will visit your property to identify invasive plants and recommend native plants and habitat features that support wildlife. Recommendations are customized to fit each property and the participant’s interests. Participants may also receive benefits such as discounts on native plants, coupons for local garden centers, follow-up technical assistance, and a certification sign to display in their yard.
At this time, the program serves only certain larger urban areas. If you live in a rural community, you are still encouraged to enroll. Your interest helps show support for expanding the program into additional service areas.
To enroll or learn more, visit the Backyard Habitat Certification Program website.
This program is made possible through partnerships with Columbia Land Trust, the Audubon Society of Portland, Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District, and Clackamas County Water Environment Services.
Small Actions Can Make a Big Difference
These may seem like small things, but we can all make a difference in the life of a pollinator!