Supporting pollinators has many benefits to humans and the natural environment. Common pollinators such as bees and butterflies are supported by landscaping with native plants. The following are some key benefits to supporting pollinators and native habitats:

• Filtered stormwater and reduced runoff
• Reduced water usage over traditional lawns
• Pollination of fruiting trees and shrubs, and vegetable gardens
• Builds a curious and inspired network of people
• Creates a beautiful and diverse landscape
• Natural pollination of plants creates genetically diverse species
• Sanctuary for diverse wildlife

By participating in Pollinate the Park, we create resilient habitats for pollinators that are at risk due to urbanization. St. Louis Park and its residents have the opportunity to convert spaces into pollinator habitats enhancing biodiversity and increasing access to nature.

Pollinators are any animal that moves pollen, such as bees, flies, hummingbirds, butterflies and bats. They carry pollen from the male part of the flower (anther) to the female part of the same or another flower (stigma). This movement fertilizes the flower, helping to produce seeds and fruit that will feed wildlife and produce new plants. Bees alone can pollinate 50 – 100 flowers in one collection trip!

Certain pollinators are adapted to prefer specific flower shapes, sizes and colors. Therefore, diverse flower plantings support a variety of pollinators.

Over the last several years, there has been a dramatic decline in pollinator species. Below are the four main drivers that are endangering our pollinator populations:

• Spread of invasive plant and animal species displacing native ones
• Habitat loss due to urbanization and agricultural practices
• Parasites and disease
• Climate change

These shifts in environmental conditions have led to changes in pollinator foraging behavior and malnutrition. Many of the urban environments have become flowerless landscapes with heavily paved areas or turf grass – allowing for little to no plant diversity and food. Natural areas also become isolated and hard to reach, making it difficult for pollinators to travel the distance between their nesting and foraging sites.

Below are some ways you can help the declining pollinator populations.

Plant pollinator-friendly landscaping

The city encourages replacement of turf grass with native plants. Turf contains little to no biodiversity and requires more long-term maintenance. In addition to supporting pollinators, native landscapes provide other benefits, including:

• Increasing biodiversity
• Providing habitat for a variety of wildlife
• Building drought tolerance through the plant's long roots
• Helping collect and filter pollutants out of stormwater runoff

Plant a variety of flowering plants

Ensure a variety of pollinators visit your garden by planting flowers of different shapes, sizes and colors. Flowers have differing shapes and structures, which determine the type of pollinators they attract. Take some time to learn about Minnesota's different wildflowers. It is important that your flowers bloom April through October in order to provide a vital food source for pollinators.

If you would like technical assistance converting your lawn to a pollinator habitat, contact the natural resources division at 952.924.2562 or naturalresources@stlouisparkmn.gov.

Minimize pesticide use

Pesticides are traditionally used on turf lawns and exotic plants to control pests. However, if not used properly, they may impact soil and water quality and other unintended species. A diverse native planting is more resilient to infestations and infections, reducing or eliminated the need for pesticides.

Learn more about how you can go pesticide-free:

• How to control invasive pests while protecting pollinators and other beneficial insects
• Preventing pests in your yard and garden

Volunteer with the city

Can't plant at home? The City of St. Louis Park offers volunteer opportunities for anyone looking to be involved in our Pollinate the Park or other planting initiatives. There is no experience is required, just a passion for nature and being outdoors. If you are interested in volunteering, visit the volunteer opportunities page or contact naturalresources@stlouisparkmn.gov.

Helping to preserve pollinator habitats supports the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan goals of continuing to protect and improve the quality of parks while increasing opportunities to connect with nature. Gardens with at least 70% native plants have been established within public parks, median strips, community gardens, schools and municipal buildings.

Below are some additional city initiatives and programs.

Bee-friendly resolution

The St. Louis Park City Council passed a resolution declaring the city "bee friendly." This means that the city:

• Provides diverse and abundant nectar and pollen from plants blooming in succession.
• Maintains designated pollinator habitats comprised of native species, annuals, perennial flowers, shrubs and trees.
• Includes designated pollinator zones in public spaces with signage to educate the public and build awareness.

Current pollinator programs

Below is a list of current pollinator programs in the city:  

• Native plant sale (annually in the summer)
• Mayor’s Monarch Pledge
• Rainwater Rewards Program
• Westwood Hills Nature Center programing
• Conversion of public land into native prairie pollinator areas
• Continued contracted maintenance of public lands that have been previously converted to native prairie
• Continued conversion of gardens in parks to native plant beds
• Partnership with local elementary school students to convert turf grass areas in parks to native prairie habitat with educational signage

View a map of the bee-safe parks and pollinator habitats in the city.

Below is a list of resources to learn more about pollinators and native plants.

• Program dedicated to teaching about installing native lawns and offers individual grant funding – Lawns to Legumes: Your Yard Can BEE the Change
• Not sure where to start with designing your garden? View some native garden designs.
• Why is pollination important?
• Funding for more sustainable practices on your lawn through the Rainwater Rewards Program
• Must have native plants for Minnesota native pollinators