Native Plant Pollinator Gardens on the Baldwin Ranger District

Four native plant pollinator garden/displays have been established by the Baldwin Ranger District to provide habitat for pollinator insects and an educational experience for the public.

Four native plant pollinator gardens/displays have been established by the Baldwin Ranger District on the Huron-Manistee NF to provide habitat for pollinator insects and provide an educational experience for the public. Unfortunately, pollinator decline has been making big headlines in the past several years. Pollinators are critical to the health of our ecosystem and our human food supply.

In 2008, the Baldwin Ranger District developed two large, colorful signs explaining the importance of native plants for pollinating insects and how to construct pollinator friendly habitats. These signs were placed at two of the four gardens. The first of these gardens is located at the Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary. The second of these gardens is located at the entrance to a parking area for the North Country Trail.

The third garden is newly planted in the parking area of a Forest Service motorized trail on highway M-20. The new planting will have a small sign developed and placed this summer identifying it as a Michigan Native Plant/Native Pollinator Habitat site. Bulletin board information will provide further information on the importance of native plants and pollinators.

The fourth garden serves a dual role of providing pollinator habitat and serving as a major seed collection site for nectar plant species seed. This site was harvested for the first time in 2008. Approximately 4 pounds of uncleaned nectar seed was collected and will be outplanted in endangered Karner blue butterfly locations during 2009.

Efforts in 2009 will focus on expanded educational efforts at these sites, including the addition of informational brochures and guided wildflower walks at the Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary. In addition, seed collection efforts will be increased to provide additional nectar species seed for planting at restoration sites throughout the District.