Select your college above or begin researching district library resources below.
The contributing level is intended as a entry level foray into pollinator gardening and would be ideal for those that are:
Participants can stay at this level indefinitely, or if desired, can move up to the core or comprehensive level over time. Read our FAQ to learn more about the habitat guidelines and how to implement them, and watch for much more in the way of educational materials to be added.
| COMPONENTS | GUIDELINES |
|---|---|
| Physical factors in your habitat (abiotic conditions) |
Provides at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day Only disturb soil if you are planting |
| Gardening practices you engage in (cultural practices) |
Use non pesticide means for controlling the pests in your garden Be accepting of plant damage by the target pollinators (caterpillars become butterflies and moths) Remove invasive species in your landscape |
| Plantings (what plants are represented in your habitat) |
Have continuous availability of pollen/nectar within your immediate surroundings, whenever possible utilizing plants from the plant list (at least 1 species blooming per season) Have at least 1 desert/rush milkweed (Asclepias subulata) to support Monarch butterflies (and Queens) in their larval stage |
Apply for this level (links to online form) It will be handy to have the FAQ and plant list when applying.
Learn how to setup your habitat by watching this recorded workshop
These pollinator habitat guidelines were developed by the following expert panel:
Natalie Case, Education Programs Developer, Center for Native and Urban Wildlife, Scottsdale Community College
Jennifer Foltz-Sweat, Biology Faculty, Gateway Community College
Adriane Grimaldi, Director of Education, Butterfly Wonderland: A rainforest experience
Kaitlin Haase, Southwest Pollinator Conservation Specialist, Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
Carrie Lipka, Lab Supervisor, Mesa Community College
Meridith Masoner, Facebook site administrator, Pollinator Gardening in the Southwest
Angela McIntire, Statewide Bat Specialist, Arizona Fish and Game Department
Pam McMillie, Vice President, Phoenix Chapter of the Arizona Native Plant Society
Gail Morris, Coordinator, Southwest Monarch Study
Lisa Rivera, President, Phoenix Chapter of the Arizona Native Plant Society
George Roark, Author of PollinatorWeb.com
Ron Rutowski, President, Central Arizona Butterfly Association
Cathy Wise, Community Science Manager, Audubon Southwest