Earth Day and Beyond
Every year for the past 49 years, Earth Day has been observed around the world as a way to raise global ecological awareness. Observed in 192 countries, it is now the largest civic-focused day of action in the world.
This year’s theme is “Protect our Species”. And while we here in Boulder and Broomfield counties may not be able to directly impact the fate of giraffes, whales or polar bears, there is something everyone one of us can do – protect and support our pollinator species.
The City of Boulder has launched a program called The Boulder Pollinator Garden Project (bouldercolorado.gov/planning/pollinator-appreciation-month) which aims to make the area a pollinator haven. It encourages the creation of high-quality pollinator habitat, with a long-term goal of coordinating the efforts of organizations and individuals to create pollinator pathways and connections supporting bees, butterflies, beetles, hummingbirds and other wildlife.
Successful pollinator gardens offer high-quality food, water, nesting sites and protections. Here are some tips to creating a garden where pollinators will thrive:
- Plant flowers that bloom all season
- Provide nesting sites
- Plan on feeding caterpillars as well as adult species
- Avoid pesticides
- Plant native plants
Ready to get gardening with pollinators in mind? Visit: bouldercolorado.gov/planning/pollinator-garden-resources
