Pollinator-Friendly Garden Certification
Follow steps 1-4 to certify your pollinator-friendly garden.
What do pollinators do?
Pollination, the transfer of pollen from the anthers of a flower to the stigma of the same flower or another flower, is vital to our food supply. Insects and other animals are a key element in this transfer. In fact, one of every three bites of food depends on the work of pollinators!
UMaine and UNH Extension Master Gardener Volunteers take action to help pollinators
In Maine and New Hampshire, we have many different kinds of pollinators, such as bees, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds, all of which need our help! Both native and domestic pollinator populations are declining, affected by habitat loss, climate change, and contact with pesticides. UMaine and UNH Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are taking action to protect pollinators by educating the gardening public and reviewing applications to certify gardens as pollinator-friendly. You can join this effort by providing food and habitat for native insects and animals. Pollinators will, in turn, provide the pollination needed to protect our plant diversity and food sources. Certifying your property or garden as “Pollinator-Friendly” will help support a healthy ecosystem for our community and our future, and will help to spread the word about the importance of pollinators.
Certifying your Garden
In order to apply for this garden certification, the applicant must first spend some time carefully reviewing and preparing for the requirements outlined in steps 1 to 4:
- Step 1: Provide Food for Pollinators
- Step 2: Provide Water Sources for Pollinators
- Step 3: Provide Shelter for Pollinators
- Step 4: Safeguarding Pollinator Habitat
Once you’ve reviewed these steps, it’s time to fill out your application! We will accept applications submitted via email or surface mail.
Certified gardens are eligible to purchase a UMaine or UNH Extension Pollinator-Friendly Garden sign for $35.00. Both the certificate and the sign show your commitment to conserve pollinator habitats. Your sign purchase also supports UMaine and UNH Extension Master Gardener Volunteers to continue their quest to educate the public about the importance of pollinators.
Need help, information or have questions? Please send us a message using our online contact form.
PROCEED TO STEP 1: Provide Food for Pollinators
New to pollinator-friendly gardening? Check out our introductory course: Pollinator-Friendly Gardening!
Materials were adapted from Penn State’s Pollinator program, developed by Penn State Master Gardeners in collaboration with the Center for Pollinator Research.
Thanks to our friends at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and Maine Audubon for their support with reviewing the materials for this program.