Pollinators

Pollinators are key to plant reproduction, which yields the fruits, vegetables, flowers, and seeds that sustain our diets. Some pollinators are generalists, transferring pollen among many plant species, while others are specialists, relying on specific plants—and vice versa. These specialized relationships are fragile, especially in small geographic areas. That’s why native plants are crucial to New Hampshire’s ecosystems.

New Hampshire is home to over 200 species of bees, 130 species of butterflies, thousands of other pollinating insects, and the beloved ruby-throated hummingbird. By supporting native plants, we help sustain the entire food web that depends on these pollinator interactions.

We’re working across New Hampshire to conserve pollinator-friendly habitats through:

• Habitat restoration: Planting native flowers at our centers, restoring meadows in our sanctuaries, and removing invasive species.
• Education and outreach: Providing resources to community partners, families, and schools through workshops, talks, and garden club programs.
• Research and monitoring: Conducting surveys on insect populations, studying pollinator behavior, and engaging community scientists through platforms like iNaturalist.
• Policy and advocacy: Collaborating with partners like the National Wildlife Federation, NH Fish and Game, and the US Fish and Wildlife to push for pollinator-safe policies at the state level.

Every effort brings us closer to a future where pollinators thrive!

Gardening for Pollinators: Your Path to Making a Difference

Creating pollinator-friendly spaces is easier than you might think. Small changes can have a big impact on pollinators’ survival and ecosystem health.

• Plant native plants: Native species provide the food and shelter local pollinators need. Avoid invasive plants, which can outcompete native varieties and alter soil chemistry.
• Avoid hybridized species: Some hybrid plants have been bred for appearance, reducing the nectar and pollen quality. For example, some hybridized milkweed varieties lack essential compounds for monarch caterpillars.
• Eliminate pesticides: Reduce or eliminate pesticide use to keep pollinators safe.
• Diversify plantings: Include a variety of flower shapes, colors, and bloom periods to provide year-round food sources.
• Provide water sources: Birdbaths and shallow trays help pollinators stay hydrated.
• Create winter habitat: Leave seed heads and plant debris intact through winter for shelter and nourishment.

Pollinator meadow restoration: Visit the one-acre demonstration pollinator meadow at our Concord headquarters. This site serves as a hands-on learning space for participatory scientists and conservationists.

Demonstration gardens: Explore our pollinator gardens at McLane (Concord) and Massabesic (Auburn) centers to gain inspiration for your own backyard habitat.

Pocket pollinator gardens: We’re leading efforts to install pocket pollinator gardens in urban spaces throughout Manchester. Look for our logo in community green spaces!

Workshops and webinars: Learn from experts about pollinators, gardening, and backyard habitat conservation. Check out our YouTube channel for free webinars; see the playlists: webinars and pollinator series.

Pollinator Fest & Native Plant Sale: Join us for this annual event and take home native plants and start your own pollinator garden. Visit the webpage to learn more.

Holiday wreath workshops: Learn to create beautiful, sustainably harvested wreaths. Attend a workshop to learn how to grow plants to create your own masterpiece. Keep an eye on the event calendar for listings in late fall.

Participatory science and volunteering: Help monitor pollinators through projects like the NH Butterfly Monitoring Network and the Beecology Project. Join us as a volunteer gardener or data collector. Science can be as simple as taking photos and sharing observations. Visit our volunteer page to see current opportunities.

View our full Event Calendar for upcoming workshops, webinars, and garden events throughout the state.

Native Plants for Pollinators in Northeast

Pollinator Plants for Northern New England gardens

Creating Habitat for Monarchs

Bee Habitat and Conservation

Native Plant Finder in the Northeast

Homegrown National Park

Monarch Watch

National Wildlife Federation Certified Habitat

Pollinator Partnership

Pollinator Pathway

UNH/UMaine Pollinator Garden Certification

Xerces Society

Over the years, we’ve received generous support from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (New England Field Office), Robin Colson Memorial Foundation, Gertrude Couch Trust, Benjamin Couch Trust, Patricia and Charles Walker Family Fund, … and many dedicated volunteers!

Our gratitude to the many volunteers and donors who support the gardens at the Massabesic Center, with special thanks to UNH Extension, NH Master Gardener Alumni Association, Massabesic Garden Club, Martha Israel, and the friends and family of Cathy Small.