Pollinator Power

Natures Heroes - Pollination occurs through various agents, including wind, water, insects, birds, and other animals. This vital process involves the transfer of pollen from one plant to another. Any organism that facilitates this transfer is classified as a 'pollinator.' Without pollination the reproduction of our plants and foods would decline. Ashland Soil and Water is taking the steps to help aid these pollinators.

Ashland Soil and Water will be implementing a pollinator garden at our outdoor learning laboratory at the Hazel Willis Woods. The pollinator garden will feature a variety of different native Ohio Pollinator Wild Flowers as well as Native grasses. This initiative aims to create a haven for native pollinators, offering them a rich and diverse habitat to flourish.

“We hope to see an increase in pollinators such as bees, butterflies, birds, moths as well as other pollinators with the implementation of this new space at the woods,” Hale said.

In addition to the garden, a pollinator viewing area will be implemented for community members to sit and observe the different pollinators and wildflowers. The pollinator viewing area will also contain an identification chart for native flowers for those that would like to find some while visiting the woods.

Our goal is to highlight the crucial role that pollinators play in our ecosystems as well as the simple steps that individuals can take to support pollinators in our area” . The easiest way to support these pollinators is to create more areas like these. Planting native flowering plants in gardens and community spaces is a great way to promote pollinators. If you do not have a “green thumb” installing a bee nesting box can also offer home for buzzing pollinators.

Honey bees also play a vital role as crop pollinators aside from producing honey.

The Hazel Willis Woods offers a wildflower inventory that contains every wildflower that has been recorded within the woods. The inventory can be found on the Hazel Willis Woods website at: https://www.ashlandswcd.com/hww

Ashland Soil and Water would like to invite the community to our July 8 thconservation chat where they can learn more about pollinators and how to create a safe habitat for these pollinators and birds. The details of the chat can be found on our website under upcoming events at https://www.ashlandswcd.com/events?view=calendar&month=07-2025