Pollinator Places

In the Mountain West, rapid development growth has caused natural habitats for our birds, bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinator species to dwindle. As we know, water is a precious resource in this region and water conservation has become a focal point for landscape designs. As a result, municipalities and landscape codes have pivoted toward more innovative landscape designs as expansive bluegrass lawn areas are becoming a thing of the past.

This means a turn to more xeric, native plant design—replacing large turf areas with native seed and larger beds of shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses. One design solution to help alleviate pressures and reestablish pollinator habitats is the creation of pollinator nodes or pathways. These strategically located pollinator corridors, with plant materials that attract pollinator species, provide pollinators with pathways to move pollen from one plant to another. This enables cross-fertilization, allowing the reproduction and growth of new plant species, and helps produce thriving, waterwise landscapes.

This strategy can be implemented on a hyperlocal level from one backyard to another, or through common space areas in a development as shown in this graphic. It can also be applied on a much larger scale from city to city or state to state. As water resources continue to become more regulated, and natural habitats shrink, creative planting solutions must be integrated into our communities both new and old.