National Pollinator Garden Network Launches Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
Dozens of conservation and gardening organizations have collaborated to form the National Pollinator Garden Network, which launched a nationwide campaign, the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge, on June 3.
Designed to accelerate growing efforts across America, the Network is launching the challenge in support of President Barack Obamas call to reverse the decline of pollinating insects, such as honey bees and native bees along with monarch butterflies.
The Network, which is comprised of 1 million active gardeners and 15,000 schoolyard gardens, is proposing the challenge of adding an additional one million pollinator gardens by the end of 2016.
The Network will work to provide resources for individuals, community groups, government agencies and the garden industry to create more pollinator habitats through sustainable gardening practices and conservation efforts.
“Through the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge, anyone in urban, suburban, [or] rural communities can make a difference by planting for pollinators and joining together in an effort to create and enhance one million pollinator gardens,” said Laurie Adams the executive director of the Pollinator Partnership. “The need is huge to get backyards buzzing.”
“National Garden Bureau (NGB) supports gardens of all types, done by any type of gardener for any reason and gardening for the health of pollinators is a priority for NGB and our members,” said Diane Blazek, executive director of the National Garden Bureau.
“We are thrilled to be part of the National Pollinator Garden Network and look forward to the day we reach one million pollinator gardens registered in the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge.” Michael Geary, president and CEO of AmericanHort, concurred with Blazek adding, “Horticulture has a huge opportunity to be part of the solution to the threats facing pollinators.”
First Lady Michelle Obama was joined by Network representatives on June 3 in the White House garden to formally launch the challenge.
“AmericanHort is thrilled to help launch the Network and the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge,” said Mark Foertmeyer, Foertmeyer & Sons Greenhouse, Delaware, Ohio, and chairman of the board of AmericanHort. “As both seasoned and new gardeners step up to do their part, they are going to need plants, seeds, and expertise. Our member garden retail, landscape and grower professionals are here to help.”
Among the National Pollinator Garden Network partner organizations are:
*America In Bloom
*American Horticultural Society
*AmericanHort
*National Garden Bureau
*Society of American Florists
For more information, and a full list of partners, visit www.millionpollinatorgardens.org.
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