Pollinator Pathways, Bee Cities & Monarch Waystations: A Complete Guide for Communities
Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects play a critical role in ecosystem health — yet their populations continue to decline. Communities across the country are responding with conservation initiatives such as Pollinator Pathways, Bee City certifications, and Monarch Waystations. These programs support habitat restoration, community engagement, and long-term biodiversity.
Below is a clear breakdown of what each program is, why they matter, and how your community can build a successful pollinator-friendly space.
What Is a Pollinator Pathway?
A Pollinator Pathway is a connected corridor of native plants, gardens, and natural spaces that allow bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to travel safely through urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Communities create Pollinator Pathways to:
Restore habitat in areas fragmented by development
Increase native flowering plants
Promote pesticide-free gardening
Educate residents about biodiversity
These pathways can include public parks, schools, libraries, nature trails, residential yards, and municipal landscapes.
What Is a Bee City?
A Bee City is a municipality or campus certified by Bee City USA, a program run by the Xerces Society. Becoming a Bee City means the community commits to:
Expanding pesticide-free habitats
Increasing native plant diversity
Hosting pollinator-related community events
Providing public education about pollinator conservation
Bee Cities often add signage, interpretive panels, or garden markers to help visitors understand the mission and see the impact of pollinator-friendly spaces.
What Is a Monarch Waystation?
A Monarch Waystation, registered through Monarch Watch, is a designated garden that provides:
Milkweed (the only plant monarch caterpillars can eat)
Nectar-rich native flowers for adult butterflies
Shelter from predators and weather
Sustainable, pesticide-free care
Waystations help counter habitat loss along monarch migration routes.
Why Pollinator Habitats Benefit Insects & Communities
Benefits for Pollinators
Increased food sources: Native plants provide nectar and pollen the insects rely on.
Safe migration routes: Pathways and waystations reduce habitat fragmentation.
Improved reproduction: Milkweed and host plants support lifecycle needs.
Reduced exposure to chemicals: Many programs promote pesticide-free management.
Benefits for Communities
Healthier ecosystems: Pollinators support food webs, soil health, and plant diversity.
Improved crop yields: Local farms and community gardens benefit directly from increased pollination.
Educational opportunities: Schools, libraries, and parks use these spaces as hands-on learning environments.
Beautification & placemaking: Pollinator gardens enhance green spaces and community identity.
Stronger community engagement: Volunteers, students, and local organizations can participate in planting and maintaining habitats.
How to Build a Pollinator Garden, Pathway, or Waystation
1. Choose the Right Location
Select a sunny area with well-draining soil. Even small spaces — medians, school courtyards, trail edges — can support pollinators.
2. Plant Native Flowers and Host Plants
Include a mix of:
Milkweed species (for monarchs)
Nectar plants that bloom from early spring through fall
Native shrubs and grasses for structure and shelter
Native species vary by region, so check your local extension office or native plant society for guidance.
3. Eliminate Pesticides
Avoid herbicides, pesticides, and neonicotinoids. Pollinators are extremely sensitive to chemicals.
4. Add Educational Signage
Clear, durable signage helps visitors understand the purpose and plants within the habitat.
This is an ideal place to incorporate Lark Signs’ plant identification markers, which help:
Label native species
Highlight host plants vs. nectar plants
Educate visitors about plant-insect relationships
Enhance accessibility and learning
Long-lasting, weatherproof plant signs ensure that garden information stays readable year-round, even in harsh outdoor conditions.
5. Maintain the Habitat
Remove invasive species
Add mulch annually
Replace damaged plants
Water during establishment
Pollinator gardens thrive with consistent but low-intensity care.
Funding Options for Pollinator Projects
Communities don’t have to fund pollinator habitats alone. Many organizations offer grants or in-kind support:
1. Federal & State Grants
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service habitat restoration grants
State conservation and native plant initiative funds
Local environmental stewardship programs
2. Environmental Nonprofits
The Xerces Society
Monarch Joint Venture
Pollinator Partnership
These groups offer mini-grants, education tools, and native seed support.
3. Community Partnerships
Garden clubs
Rotary clubs
School districts
Friends-of-the-Library groups
Local businesses sponsoring signage or plantings
4. Corporate Sustainability Grants
Many companies fund environmental and biodiversity projects as part of ESG initiatives.
5. Custom Donor Recognition
Many pollinator spaces incorporate donor signs or memorial plaques to acknowledge supporters. Lark Signs can create durable, outdoor-ready donor recognition signage that complements the garden’s natural aesthetic.