Happy Earth Day! To celebrate, please enjoy this bonus episode of Sustainable Sun Prairie that is focused on pollinator conservation. Pollinators are often associated with Earth Day because of the important role they plan in our food production and creating a healthier environment. This episode will provide you with a full toolkit of resources and knowledge that will empower you to transform your yard into a pollinator paradise. It's so important that we focus on taking actions in our own yards because native pollinator species are declining rapidly due to urbanization, habitat destruction, and the use of pesticides. We as individuals can work to protect them by creating safe, friendly spaces in our own yards that provide food, water, and shelter to our native pollinators.

Did you catch the keyword? Email this episode's keyword to forestry@cityofsunprairie.com to receive a free pollinator-friendly tree or shrub, while supplies last!

Xerces Society Pollinator-Friendly Native Plant Lists: https://xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/pollinator-friendly-plant-lists

UW-Madison Pollinator Resources: https://pollinators.wisc.edu/

Pollinator-Friendly Trees & Shrubs: https://www.pollinatorsnativeplants.com/uploads/1/3/9/1/13913231/treesshrubs1.pdf

(5:01) How the City of Sun Prairie is helping pollinators

(9:00) City park participation in No Mow May

(11:14) Native vs ornamental - which type of flower is better for pollinators?

(19:16) concentrated garden or distributed flowers?

(21:15) Native flower species recommendations!

(24:37) Best practices for ground covers

(28:10) Starting from seed, seedling, or mature plants

(30:36) Short-term and long-term pollinator garden maintenance

(36:44) Patience is key - your plants need time to grow strong root systems

(39:50) 6, 7, or 8 feet tall!

(43:00) Leave the leaves & delay spring cleanup

(48:54) Water sources, trees, shrubs

(52:36) How do I communicate my conservation intentions to my neighbors?