Native Bumblebee on Cleome. Learn more about the event at beecitylosalamos.org. Photo by Dana Ecelberger
PEEC News:
Bee City Los Alamos, in collaboration with the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC), has announced the launch of the Backyard Pollinator Project.
This exciting new initiative, funded by a grant from the Carroll Petrie Foundation, will provide a selection of native plants to Los Alamos County residents free of charge. These plants, grown without the use of pesticides or fertilizers, have been carefully selected for their hardiness in the Jemez Mountain environment and their crucial benefits to native pollinators.
The goal of the Backyard Pollinator Project is to promote the planting of native pollinator plants in private gardens and public landscapes. By doing so, we aim to increase the diversity and availability of pollen, nectar, and habitat resources for our native pollinators.
This effort is critical as native pollinators, unlike European and Asian honeybees, face significant threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.
Bee City Los Alamos is dedicated to supporting the health and thriving of these essential pollinators and the ecosystems they sustain.
Applications for the native plant “kits” are now open. However, due to the limited number of kits available this first year, not all applicants may receive a plant kit. Applications will be screened to ensure the plants have the best chance of survival.
Applicants will be notified by June 30, 2024, by email of whether or not they have been selected to receive plants. Plants will be distributed 4-6 p.m. Friday, July 19 and 9-11 a.m. Saturday, July 20 at PEEC Nature Center.
Those not selected will be placed on a waiting list for next year.
“Spread the word and help us make this initiative a success. Together, we can create a thriving environment for our native pollinators!” –Bee City Los Alamos
For more information about the Backyard Pollinator Project and to apply, visit peecnature.org/bee-city/backyard-pollinator-garden-project or email Dana Ecelberger at contact@beecitylosalamos.org.
About Bee City Los Alamos:
Bee City Los Alamos is committed to conserving native pollinators through planting an abundance and diversity of native plants, providing nesting sites, applying conscientious management of planted and natural areas, and a County-wide commitment to reduce the use of pesticides.
About PEEC:
PEEC was founded in 2000 to serve the community of Los Alamos. It offers people of all ages a way to enrich their lives by strengthening their connections to our canyons, mesas, mountains, and skies. PEEC operates the Los Alamos Nature Center at 2600 Canyon Road, holds regular programs and events, and hosts several interest groups from birding to hiking to butterfly watching.