Pollinators like bees, butterflies, beetles, and hummingbirds are some of the hardest-working and most essential creatures in our ecosystem. They’re responsible for helping over 75% of flowering plants—and about 1 in every 3 bites of food we eat—reproduce and thrive. But across the country, pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.
At Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust, we’re committed to protecting natural spaces where pollinators can flourish—but you don’t need hundreds of acres to make a difference. With just a small patch of yard, balcony, or garden bed, you can help support pollinators in meaningful ways.
🌼 Why Pollinators Need Our Help
• Habitat loss from development and lawn-dominated landscapes has made it harder for pollinators to find food and shelter.
• Pesticides and herbicides disrupt their nervous systems and poison their food sources.
• Climate change is shifting the timing of bloom cycles, often misaligning with pollinator life cycles.
The good news? Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is easier—and more rewarding—than you think.
🌸 5 Easy Steps to a Pollinator Paradise
1. Plant Native Flowers
Choose species that naturally grow in Connecticut, such as milkweed, coneflower, bee balm, goldenrod, and Joe-Pye weed. Native plants provide the right nectar, pollen, and shelter for local species.
2. Go for Continuous Bloom
Include a variety of plants that bloom at different times from early spring through late fall to keep pollinators fed all season long.
3. Skip the Chemicals
Avoid using pesticides and herbicides—especially neonicotinoids—that can be deadly to bees and butterflies. Opt for organic methods or simply let nature take its course.
4. Create Nesting Space
Leave small brush piles, patches of bare soil, and dead wood for solitary bees and butterflies to nest. Consider putting up a bee hotel!
5. Add a Water Source
A shallow dish with stones or a gently bubbling fountain gives pollinators a safe place to drink and cool off.
🐝 What We’re Doing at CVRLT
We’ve been working to restore pollinator habitat across our preserves by planting native species, managing invasive plants, and letting wild areas grow naturally. In some areas, we’ve even reduced mowing to let nature take the lead—and the results have been buzzing with life!
💚 You Can Make a Difference
Every yard, garden, and green space counts. When you plant for pollinators, you’re helping restore balance in our local ecosystems—and making your property more beautiful in the process.