Pollinator Pal Toolkit

Pollinator Conservation—Become a Pollinator Pal!

More than two-thirds of crop plants and over 85% of flowering plants worldwide are dependent on the services of pollinators. Today both introduced and native pollinator populations are in decline as a result of disappearance of habitat, increased pesticide use and disease. The good news is there are exciting ways to help pollinator populations bounce back through establishment of additional habitat, strategic land use management and best management practices for pesticide applications. Join us in our work to promote Pierce County pollinator populations in both rural and urban settings. See below for great technical guides and links for establishing pollinator habitat, managing pesticides and connecting to regional pollinator initiatives.

Habitat Establishment

Pollinator populations need plentiful habitat. Providing pollinators with a variety of native flowering wildflowers, trees and shrubs that bloom successively during the year is key. Strategically adding corridors and pockets of habitat into urban and agricultural landscapes provide consistent food and shelter resources. Unique nesting and shelter habitat needs of pollinators can be accommodated by managing yard debris or field and lawn borders with pollinators in mind.

WSU online Hedgerows Toolkit for Rural & Working Lands! - This Toolkit will help you learn about the science of hedgerows and their value in all settings, with a focus on agricultural & rural properties
The Native Pollinator Habitat Restoration Guide - EarthCorps' complete guide to pollinator habitat site assessment and design, includes extensive plant lists
Farming for the Bees - The Xerces Society's guidelines for providing native bee habitat on farms
Xerces Society Habitat Assessment Guide for Pollinators – Farms and Agricultural Landscapes - A tool to help incorporate pollinator conservation into a farm management plan and document improvements
Xerces Society Habitat Assessment Guide for Pollinators in Yards, Gardens and Parks - A tool for evaluating pollinator habitat in urban settings and identifying areas for improvement
Nesting and Overwintering Habitat for Pollinators and Other Beneficial Insects - A guide to preserving primary habitat features used by pollinators when managing your rural or urban landscape
King County Native Plant Landscape Guide - Create a native plant landscape for pollinators with this site's plants lists and photos, landscaping plans, and a tool to start your own plant list for your project
Pollinator Partnership - Many useful pollinator resources

Hedgerow Planting

With the help of Western Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education (SARE) funding, the Pierce Conservation District has developed a range of hedgerow planting templates designed to serve multiple purposes while optimizing the bloom period for pollinators. These templates cater to both moist and drier environments. While all plants typically require irrigation during the initial establishment phase (approximately two years), the adaptable templates are suitable for either moist conditions or drier environments, requiring only additional watering during drought periods for some plants.

Additional Hedgerow Resources

Local Native Plant Nurseries

Access financial assistance for your pollinator habitat project

Visit the PCD farm improvement financial assistance page to learn about opportunities to assist you with your pollinator habitat project!

Pesticide Management

Simple and strategic adjustments to pesticide choice and timing can make a big difference to pollinator survival and health.

Become a Citizen Scientist

Pollinator population monitoring and tracking efforts are enlisting the help of the general public! Become a native pollinator ID nerd and help document pollinator population dynamics that will inform strategies for conservation.

Support Local Pollinator Initiatives!

WSDA Pollinator Task Force