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POLLINATOR PROTECTION ACTION LIST Protect the life that <br />sustains us <br />Declining pollinator populations like honey bees, native bees, beetles and others are crucial <br />to our food supply and ecosystem. Now is the time to take action. It’s the right thing to do. <br />Replace Turf <br />Transform under-utilized areas of turf to gardens, meadows, prairie and bee or low mow lawns. <br />New construction and plans include habitat instead of turf. <br />Ecologically Sound Practices Replace Pesticides <br />Cease systemic insecticides especially neonicotinoids and fipronil. <br />Develop Integrated Pest Management Program that focuses on ecologically sound practices. <br />Conduct an annual inventory of current pesticides and practices; update with least toxic options. <br />Use non-toxic alternatives to pesticides like controlled burns and organic methods. (see alternative <br />pesticide list) <br />Read pesticide labels thoroughly, keep staff updated on pesticide certification <br />Evaluate, Monitor and Research <br />Conduct research on pollinator populations and pollinator best practices. <br />Evaluate current practices, keep records and monitor results. <br />Develop and pay attention to thresholds, tolerate some insect damage and unwanted plants. <br />Educate and Innovate <br />Get community involved. Provide conservation education and citizen science programs. <br />Take time to vision new and innovative practices, programs and actions. <br />Raise awareness by promoting pollinator friendly practices in social media, website and printed <br />materials. <br />Bee a good example - Share your knowledge with colleagues and the public. <br />Learn plant identification to better discern habitats such as native thistle. <br />Send staff to technical training to update them on ecologically sound practices. <br />Ecology: Restore, Plant and Build <br />Use regenerative practices like beneficial insects, beetle banks, buffer strips, hedgerows, and <br />wind breaks. <br />Leave plantings intact until spring to allow overwintering insects hibernation nesting areas. <br />Choose untreated native plants that bloom in spring, summer and fall for abundant pollinator <br />resources. <br />Choose untreated native plants that maximize water filtration and soil stabilization, and will <br />attract pollinators and <br />predators that prey on garden pests. <br />Commit to annual goals for habitat restoration and installation. <br />Steward existing woodlands to promote woodland groundcover which provide early nectar <br />resources. <br />Create pesticide free zones and corridors in right of ways, roadsides, in parks and public lands. <br />Carefully plan mowing. Implement alternate roadside mows to avoid harming animals and <br />habitat. <br />Change Perceptions <br />Tolerate bee “weeds” such as dandelions, creeping charlie, and native thistle. <br />Adopt not-so-tidy areas for habitat and nesting areas; mulch or wood piles, hedgerows and <br />beetle banks. <br />Change perceptions of maintenance…accept some plant damage and imperfections. <br />Don’t spray swarm. Save bees by calling the statewide swarm catchers 651-436-7915. <br />Advocate and Legislate <br />Insist on untreated plants and seeds from your plant sources. Be diligent in asking your grower. <br />Purchase pesticide free and non-GMO products. <br />Recommend changes to policy and practices for pollinator protection. <br />Implement a pollinator friendly resolution in your community or county. <br />Meet with legislators to encourage pollinator friendly legislation and restrict pesticides. <br />Encourage businesses, churches, schools and groups to implement pollinator friendly <br />resolutions.