Protecting pollinators and their habitats
When’s the last time you thanked a pollinator? Perhaps it’s time you did. This week is National Pollinator Week, a time to celebrate pollinators and focus on what we can do to help them thrive.
Globally, about 1,000 plants we depend on for food and products need to be pollinated by animals. About 75% of all plants, including those in our yards, gardens, and parks, also depend on pollinators. But the biggest threat to pollinators is related to the habitat they depend on to survive. As native vegetation is replaced by roadways, lawns, crops and non-native gardens, pollinators lose the food and nesting sites they need.
ATC is uniquely positioned to help support and promote pollinator habitat. Many of our transmission rights-of-way are perfect for low-growing, pollinator-friendly native vegetation. Our support of pollinator habitat focuses on three main areas – our educational Grow Smart program, our Pollinator Habitat grant program and our own efforts to increase pollinator habitat in the transmission rights-of-way we manage.
Grow Smart, grow low for pollinators
ATC’s Grow Smart program helps property owners and communities identify low-growing, beautiful, native vegetation that can be planted the smart way – a safe distance from transmission line rights-of-way.
Since 2014, ATC has partnered with nationally known gardening expert Melinda Myers to help landowners learn about compatible vegetation near transmission lines. On Tuesday, June 23, Melinda appeared on WTMJ’s Morning Blend providing tips for managing pests while keeping plants safe and increasing pollinator habitat by adding native pollinator-friendly plants to your landscaping.
Want to add some pollinator-friendly plants to your yard? View or print our Grow Smart Planting Guide or Grow Smart Pollinator Guide and bring it to your local garden center.
