Many pollinators, such as bees, butterflies and moths, are in decline, and their losses threaten Wisconsin wildflowers, ecosystems, crops and natural areas that depend upon them. Pollinators transfer pollen, which then helps plants produce fruits and seeds. Many native plants, as well as many food crops, rely on pollinators.

Threats

The main threats facing pollinators, in general, are habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation. As native vegetation is replaced by roadways, manicured lawns, crops and non-native gardens, pollinators lose the food and nesting sites necessary for survival. Migratory pollinators, such as monarchs, face unique challenges. As the distance between the suitable habitat patches and their migration route increases, more individuals may die during their journey.

WI pollinators

In Wisconsin, most pollinators are insects like bees, butterflies and moths. Wisconsin's pollinators also include hummingbirds and some beetles and flies. The species of bats found in Wisconsin are not pollinators.
Wisconsin is home to many pollinators that are rare and in decline, including several state and federally-protected species and other species of concern:

• Bees — Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Yellowbanded Bumble Bee
• Butterflies — Swamp Metalmark, Monarch, Ottoe Skipper, Northern Blue, Karner Blue, Poweshiek Skipperling, Regal Fritillary
• Moths — Silphium Borer Moth, Phlox Moth

Planting pollinator gardens

Step 1: Pick your pollinator plants

Before you can plant a pollinator garden, you need to pick out the right native plants for your area. Why native plants? Native plants are relatively low maintenance once established and are important host plants for many of our butterflies and moths. Find a local nursery that can help you pick out a variety of native plants that will thrive in your yard’s soil, have a range of blooming times throughout the year, and have not been treated with pesticides. To find native plant nurseries throughout Wisconsin, visit the Wisconsin DNR’s “Plant Native Plants to Help Nature” page.

For insect pollinators:

• Swamp milkweed (more well-behaved than common milkweed and is better for smaller spaces)
• New Jersey tea
• Leadplant
• Rattlesnake master
• Anise hyssop
• Pale purple coneflower
• Native aster species
• Native goldenrod species

For hummingbirds:

• Wild columbine
• Cardinal flower
• Bee balm

Step 2: Prep your garden

Start by analyzing the light exposure and soil of your garden area. Keep in mind that pollinators avoid areas with harsh winds, as it makes it difficult to travel between flowers. If you are creating your pollinator garden on an existing garden or lawn, remove any current plant cover, especially invasive species. Then, you’ll want to turn the soil over to loosen it up prior to planting. If you’re digging, make sure to call Diggers Hotline first to have any utilities marked in your yard. It’s free.

Step 3: Plant your garden

The best time to plant seeds is in the late fall or early winter as a freeze allows for the best seed to soil contact. The snow will also protect your seeds from being eaten by animals or getting blown away in the wind. Early spring rains will help germinate your seeds, as well.

If you are starting your garden with small plants, you can begin planting anytime between the last frost in the spring up to a few weeks before the first frost in the fall. Provide deep enough holes for the plant roots and cover with soil. Whether starting with seeds or small plants, make sure to plant in clusters as this helps pollinators find the flowers more easily.

Step 4: Water and care for your garden

After planting, it’s time to water your pollinator garden. During the first year, your garden will need around an inch of water every week. Once your flowers are fully grown, less water is needed because the plant will cover more ground from the sun. Try gathering rainwater for this step!

Want to tackle weed growth? Try filling in the gaps between plants with bark mulch. Please never use pesticides or chemical fertilizers on your pollinator garden. Don’t worry about caterpillars munching on some of your garden, either. They will soon turn into the butterflies you initially created your garden for.

Step 5: Allow your garden to stand through the winter season!

Leave the native plants standing through the winter so that the seed heads provide food for birds and other wildlife. Many homeowners want to clean up the garden in the fall, but by doing so important food sources are removed, and in some cases, overwintering insects, too.

Let dandelions grow!

An early bloomer, dandelions are a tasty treat for pollinators in April and May when other flowering plants haven’t bloomed yet. They also have long roots that loosen up the soil, improving its quality. So instead of thinking of them as a pesky weed, give dandelions the credit they deserve as an important food source for pollinators.

Compiled with information from Wisconsin DNR and Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin