The Woodlands Unveils Plant For Pollinator Program

From The Woodlands Township

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Woodlands Township has launched a new Plant for Pollinators initiative which aims to protect monarchs, bees and all varieties of butterflies. The program identifies opportunities for reintroducing milkweed to our natural green spaces and areas that can be protected for pollinator habitat.

It encourages and supports residents to plant pollinator gardens—in a yard, on a balcony or patio, or at their school, facility, business or place of worship. The program will be coordinated by the Township Environmental Services Department.

Plant for Pollinators was developed in response to the decline in the monarch butterfly population during the past 20 years due to habitat loss, pesticide and herbicide overuse and disease.

Monarchs, bees and butterflies are essential to the environment and play a critical role in the food supply. One in every three bites of food that humans take is directly attributed to the work of pollinators.

Without intervention, monarch butterflies and other pollinators may face extinction, which could spell disaster for the environment and ecosystem.
Plant for Pollinators supports public participation in three ways:

• Learn: Throughout the year, various programs and workshops will be offered about pollinators and how to protect them. A demonstration garden at the Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services building is available to tour. The Environmental Services blog will feature articles about pollinators and how to garden for them.
• Plant: Informative guides to help residents plan, choose the right plants and maintain a garden are available on the Township website. Milkweed plants will be given away at the annual events such as Earth Day GreenUp and Woodlands Landscaping Solutions.
• Get Involved: Residents wanting to volunteer can help plant new milkweed, install new pollinator gardens or habitats, or organize a pollinator garden volunteer group at their church, school, facility or place of work.

Environmental education specialists are also available to provide an overview of the program and to help identify ways to initiate a project.

To request a presentation or consultation for you or your group, please email Environmental Services at enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, or call 281-210-3800.

For more information about the program, please visit the Plant for Pollinators page at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/plantforpollinators.

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