Resources

While much has been done to promote awareness of the importance of all pollinators to the overall health of our eco-system and to Michigan’s agriculture/floriculture industry, it is incumbent on each and every one of us to stand up and BEE counted for recognizing and acting upon the fundamental importance of pollinators and what each of us CAN do, as individuals, to provide pollinator habitat, preserving and protecting one of our most important natural resources.

Please help support the local organizations who work hard to preserve our native plants and environment — visit their websites by clicking on their logos below.

There are many things we can all do to create or improve pollinator habitats:

• Minimize or eliminate the use of pesticides in our gardens.
• Amend the soil to make it healthier.
• Plant native plants when possible.
• Recognize the need for and plant both host and nectar plants for a variety of pollinators.

When we measure our progress in creating pollinator habitat (pollinator gardens), we acknowledge and celebrate the impact that each of us has on creating a better environment. Therefore, a key tangible and measurable component of Michigan Garden Clubs’ effort over the next two years is to register our gardens in the National Pollinator Garden Network.

Michigan Garden Clubs offers many specific programs and activities designed to help draw attention to the importance of pollinators so that together we can create an environment where they can thrive.

We have an impact when we teach not only our youth about pollinators, but also our communities, and our legislators. While more difficult to measure than the number of pollinator gardens created, these efforts have a huge potential to make a lasting difference and fundamental change in how the public thinks about pollinators and connects them with the health of our environment. To that end, we promote working with youth, teaching them an appreciation of gardening and the environment. We support various youth initiatives that teach an awareness and appreciation of protecting the world.

The Great Lakes contain one-fifth of the Earth’s freshwater, and we play an important local roll in keeping these lakes clean and healthy. The following organizations focus on sustainable management of freshwater systems, sustainable farming methods, preserving wetlands, improving road crossings, establishing riparian buffers, and establishing rain gardens. They are tireless advocates for our local water systems! Please help support these critical local organizations — visit their websites by clicking on their logos below.