Pollinator Pockets
Pollinators Need Our Help
Pollinators are insects and other small animals that move pollen between plants to allow for fertilization. Butterflies, bats, birds, beetles, and flies are pollinators that are vital to maintaining healthy ecosystems. Despite their relatively small size, pollinators are responsible for more than a third of the food we eat. Without them, many of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts we consume could not grow. Doing all we can to support pollinators is crucial, especially when they continue to face critical challenges: habitat loss, competition from non-native species, pesticides, and climate change.
Our Solution: Pollinator Pockets
Pollinator Pockets are small, replicable gardens designed to support the lifecycle of native pollinators. From nectar and pollen access to overwintering solutions, each Pollinator Pocket serves as a sustainable ecosystem for a diverse range of wildlife and plant life. Here’s our plan:
1. Create a pollinator pocket in each city ward. These gardens will range in size from 100-200 square feet, be pesticide free, and use 75%+ native plants. Native plants are essential to sustaining pollinator species.
2. Provide easy-to-follow guides so residents can install their own pollinator pocket gardens. We will also provide community education resources including in-school programs and on-site demonstrations.
3. Build a large demonstration pollinator garden in a city park. Designed to bring Smyrna residents together around a shared value of environmental protection while also serving as an outdoor learning space.
Through the creation of multiple pollinator pockets and residential plantings, this program will create a pollinator corridor in Smyrna, addressing local habitat loss and allowing pollinators the chance to flourish throughout the city.
Visit the Pollinator Pocket
Our first pollinator pocket is located at the Smyrna Recycling Center, 3475 Lake Drive, and can be visited during the center’s open hours. The garden features a complete habitat with food, water, shelter, and breeding grounds. The plants selected provide year-round support for pollinators and over 90% native to Georgia.
How to Support
Thank You to Our Sponsor
