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ollinators are a diverse group of species that includes birds, bees, butterflies, bats and beetles. They are critically important to life, and their numbers are steadily declining due to habitat loss, pests, pathogens, pesticides and other stressors. Of the pollinators, the Monarch butterfly is in a critical situation. Since 1992, their population and their vital host plant, milkweed, have declined by ninety percent. Milkweed is crucial for monarch caterpillars as their sole food source and habitat. However, habitat loss from land development and the use of herbicides and pesticides are causing milkweed to vanish rapidly.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Pollinator Habitat Program is taking action by providing free Milkweed seeds to Tennessee residents, so we can help their mission to rebuild the habitat, ensuring essential food and shelter for the monarch butterfly. This is all being brought in partnership with other nonprofits, state universities and sister state agencies. They get together semi-annually for a “Partners for Pollinators” working group and discuss various projects.

TDOT’s Pollinator Habitat Program is pollinatorfriendly language that has been included in the nation’s transportation funding law and the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act. TDOT is following this important legislation and taking the lead in establishing pollinator policies and practices. TDOT is dedicated to growing, supporting, and protecting pollinators across Tennessee through education, partnerships and sound environmental practices by:

• Creating resources such as signage, print, games, online videos, and learning modules to educate the public about the needs and benefits of pollinators.

• Building and maintaining pollinator habitat along our 13,807 miles of state-maintained roadways and hear welcome centers and rest stops.

• Modifying mowing schedules to be compatible with pollinator cycles.

• Utilizing swath mowing practices to reduce costs and increase habitat.

Milkweed seed orders can be made throughout the year and shipments will be made during the fall season, specifically between August 1 st and October 1 st. For orders that are placed after October 1st, the seeds will be shipped during the subsequent fall season. To ensure successful germination, it is recommended to plant the milkweed seeds before October 15 th. The winter cold is essential for the germination process of milkweed seeds.

Learn more about the Pollinator Habitat Program and order your Milkweed seeds through the Milkweed Project at tnpollinators.org.