Bedford Pollinator Pathway

What are pollinators?

• Pollinators are butterflies, birds or other animals that move pollen from one plant to another.

• Pollen and nectar produced by flowers are used by pollinators as a food source.

• Pollinators enable the fertilization of plants. They promote reproduction and the growth of new plants.

• Many pollinator larvae, like caterpillars, are leaf eaters.

• More than 30% of our food grows as a result of pollinator activity.

• Pollinators are a food source for many birds and other wildlife.

Why are pollinators under threat?

• Habitat loss due to urban development • Habitat loss due to agriculture

What is a Pollinator Pathway?

• A pollinator pathway is an ecological and social project with the goal of connecting existing isolated green spaces to create a more hospitable environment for birds, bees and butterflies.

• Pollinator Pathways provide pollinators with toxin-free nutrition, shelter and space for breeding.

• Pollinator Pathways, Pollinator Parkways, Bee Cities and other similar pollinator programs, are a successful way to introduce homeowners to the conservation potential of their backyards.

• Widespread application of pesticides • Use of leaf blowers • Light pollution • Climate change • Disease spread

For the design of the Pollinator Pathway logo and the brochure we thank Paige Lyons. For information: paige.c.lyons@gmail.com

Bedford Pollinator Pathway

What are pollinators?

• Pollinators are butterflies, birds or other animals that move pollen from one plant to another.

• Pollen and nectar produced by flowers are used by pollinators as a food source.

• Pollinators enable the fertilization of plants. They promote reproduction and the growth of new plants.

• Many pollinator larvae, like caterpillars, are leaf eaters.

• More than 30% of our food grows as a result of pollinator activity.

• Pollinators are a food source for many birds and other wildlife.

Why are pollinators under threat?

• Habitat loss due to urban development • Habitat loss due to agriculture

What is a Pollinator Pathway?

• A pollinator pathway is an ecological and social project with the goal of connecting existing isolated green spaces to create a more hospitable environment for birds, bees and butterflies.

• Pollinator Pathways provide pollinators with toxin-free nutrition, shelter and space for breeding.

• Pollinator Pathways, Pollinator Parkways, Bee Cities and other similar pollinator programs, are a successful way to introduce homeowners to the conservation potential of their backyards.

• Widespread application of pesticides • Use of leaf blowers • Light pollution • Climate change • Disease spread

For the design of the Pollinator Pathway logo and the brochure we thank Paige Lyons. For information: paige.c.lyons@gmail.com

Bedford Pollinator Pathway

If you plant it, they will come!

Attracting pollinators starts with the right plants • Pollinators need nectar and pollen sources in all seasons. Make sure you have a sequence of flowering species.

• Our native spring flowering trees and shrubs are an important nectar and pollen source in spring.

• For the survival of butterflies it is critical to have the specific host plant species available for their larvae.

Why native?

• The larvae (caterpillars) of butterflies need distinct species to survive. Often the larvae depend on the leaves of one particular native species as a source of food.

• Native trees, shrubs and plants have co-evolved with our insects. Exotic species offer fewer nutrients or can even be toxic.

• To find the right plants visit:

‘Bee’ part of the Pathway We hope you’ll decide to join and sign up to be part of the Pathway. Our goal is to create a ‘corridor’ of contiguous properties including the open spaces in Bedford and the adjacent residences.

If you use a landscaping company, we advise you to inform them of the ‘steps’ you are planning to take, and to work together to obtain a more sustainable yard.

www.nwf.org/NativePlantFinder/

Everything is connected • Birds need thousands of larvae to feed one nest of chicks.

• Caterpillars are soft and therefore the perfect food for hatchlings.

The Bedford Pollinator Pathway is a collaboration of the Bedford Conservation Board, Bedford2020 Water and Land Task Force, Bedford Audubon, the Bedford Garden Club, Hopp Ground Garden Club, H2H, Healthy Yards, the Rusticus Garden Club and the Westchester Land Trust.

How to join?

• Many wildlife species depend on insects as their food source.

• Butterflies, bees and other insects are at the bottom of the food pyramid.

Losing them will have a dramatic impact on our ecosystem.

Connect Butterflies and bees don’t recognize borders or fences. To create a real Pathway, we have to work together, across borders. Talk to your friends, your neighbors, and connect through social media.

For more information visit: www.pollinator-pathway.org Join our Facebook group: Westchester Pollinators

Join the Pollinator Pathway!

We can all help support our bees and butterflies, whether you have a small balcony or a big yard.

But we want to invite you to step up and become the owner of a certified Pollinator Pathway habitat.

Sign up as a member and you will receive an information package, a durable metal yard sign, plants that attract pollinators and a pollinator friendly tree or shrub.

What you need to do: Commit to at least four of the ten steps (see reverse). Place this insert somewhere, so you and your family can make updates along the way.

Don’t forget to inform your land- scaping company about the steps to create a pollinator friendly yard, so they can help you achieve your goals.

Good luck and thank you!

10 important steps Select four to start and then keep going!

Avoid pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers Plant native trees, shrubs and plants Limit leaf blower use. Leaf blowers disrupt butterflies and bees that hibernate in the soil or in leaf litter Forgo fall clean up and leave some areas undisturbed during the winter season Switch off the lights! Light pollution harms nocturnal insects like moths, and distracts migrating birds Consider changing (a part) of the lawn into a meadow or creating planting beds Choose plants that don’t require extra watering Remove invasive species and replace them with native species Use living mulch in the form of ground covers and plants Place your yard sign in a good visual spot and invite people to join the Pollinator Pathway