Greenfield Receives $5000 Grant To Create A Pollinator Habitat

GREENFIELD, WI—The City of Greenfield recently received a $5000 grant from
American Transmission Co.’s Pollinator Habitat Program to create a pollinator habitat in
the utility corridor adjacent to Kulwicki Park, according to Renee Rollman, Engineering Specialist for the City of Greenfield.

“We’re excited to create a pollinator habitat and pathway near one of Greenfield’s most
popular parks,” Rollman told Patch.

The City plans to use the grant from ATC, to create a key habitat for bees, birds, butterflies
and other pollinators. The money will also be used to create a no-mow terrace along the Ridge Connection Path at the southwestern corner and enhance the neighboring birdwatching hotspot sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited, according to Dennis Fermenich, Greenfield’s City Forester.

“Greenfield’s talented Department of Public Works and volunteers from the Greenfield
Pollinator Protection Committee will help make this project come to life,” Fermenich said.

ATC’s Pollinator Habitat Program promotes planting low-growing vegetation within a
transmission line right-of-way to beautify communities in a way that doesn’t compromise
the safety and reliability of the electric transmission system, according to a media release from the City.

“Part of the reason for the recent decline in pollinator populations is due to loss of
habitat,” said ATC Environmental Project Manager Johanna Sievewright. “The Pollinator
Habitat Program promotes vegetation that is both compatible with our vegetation
management practices and it provides habitat for pollinators, which use the utility
corridor as a flight path.”

In addition to the Pollinator Habitat Program, ATC’s Community Planting Program
provides financial support to eligible cities, villages, towns, counties and tribes in ATC’s service area for planting projects on public property, outside transmission line rights-of- way, according to a media release.

Program funds can be used to plant trees and other tall-growing vegetation outside the transmission line rights-of-way. ATC has awarded more than 265 communities and organizations with funds totaling nearly $500,000 since 2013.

To qualify for either program, communities must commit that all current and future
planting plans and urban forestry activities near high-voltage electric transmission lines
will comply with ATC’s maintenance standards.

Cities, villages, towns, counties and tribes within ATC’s service area are eligible to apply for funding through the Community Planting Program. The Pollinator Habitat Program also is open to cities, villages, towns, counties and tribes within ATC’s service area, as well as to entities that allow public access to ATC rights-of-way.