Polinators, Plants and Preservation
Posted on May 21, 2025
May 20 was National Bee Day—a timely reminder of the vital role pollinators play in our ecosystems and our lives. That connection was on full display during our Wildflower Walk at Trillium Woodlands Preserve last week, where Logan Rowe, a zoologist with Michigan Natural Features Inventory and MSU Extension, joined us to share information about the Michigan Bumble Bee Atlas and the importance of monitoring rare bumble bee species in our state. After the presentation, attendees set off to explore the preserve’s new trails—searching for spring wildflowers and keeping an eye out for buzzing visitors among the blooms.
Why Pollinators Matter
Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and beetles are essential to healthy ecosystems. They help flowering plants reproduce and keep food webs intact, all while performing an age-old partnership shaped by evolution. But habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change are threatening pollinator populations—including those right here in Michigan. Fortunately, each of us can help—starting in our own backyards.
Start a Pollinator Garden
Whether you're dreaming of a full pollinator garden or just looking to add a few native plants to your landscaping, now is the perfect time to start. Native plants support pollinators, improve biodiversity, and create more climate-resilient landscapes.
Need inspiration or planting tips? This free guide from Save the Dunes is a great place to start: Save the Dunes Pollinator Guide (PDF)
Curious to see native plants in action? Stop by the pollinator garden at Chris Thompson Memorial Preserve. Our stewardship team has been hard at work, and in a month, the garden will be bursting with blooms—and buzzing with pollinators.
What to Plant
When creating a pollinator garden, choose plants with staggered bloom times so nectar and pollen are available from early spring through late fall. Here are a few native favorites, grouped by blooming season:
- Spring: Dutchman’s Breeches, Virginia Bluebells, Common Blue Violets, Eastern Red Columbine
- Summer: Purple Coneflower, Milkweed, Black-Eyed Susan, Bee Balm
- Fall: Snowy Goldenrod, New England American Aster
Where to Buy Native Plants or Seeds
Looking for native plants, seeds, or even landscape restoration help? Here are a few trusted sources we’ve worked with or heard great things about:
- Pheasants Forever Habitat Store (Michigan)
- Prairie Moon Nursery – Seeds, plants, and planting resources
- Michigan Wildflower Farm – Specializing in native seeds and erosion control
- Hidden Savanna Nursery – Native plants grown in Southwest Michigan
- Stantec – Native plant nursery and services
- Pizzo & Associates – Full-service ecological restoration
The Berrien County Conservation District also holds an annual native plant sale—this year’s event took place on May 21. Be sure to follow them on social media or subscribe to their newsletter so you’re the first to know when next year’s sale is announced!
Whether you’re planting a garden, restoring your property, or just replacing one patch of lawn with native blooms, you’re making a difference.
Every native plant adds to the patchwork of healthy habitat across our region. Together, we can promote biodiversity, support pollinators, and strengthen our connection to the land.
