Bring Back the Birds and Bees
This Central Area Pollinator Pathway project aims to build community and restore pollinator habitats by offering free plants, seeds, and gardening mentorship to residents. We seek to not only improve the the wellbeing of our Central Area neighbors, but to support an area of Seattle often historically overlooked by habitat restoration efforts.
Project Scope
Alongside free plants, we hope to offer opportunities to be mentored in the creation of habitat for native birds and bees with the support of local gardening groups. We would also be happy to connect any participants that would like extra help with preparing or maintaining their planting strip with volunteers within the program.
Eligibility
Anyone living within the below CANDC-defined Central Area boundaries who has access to a planting area may request participation in the Central Area Pollinator Pathways project. Plants and mentoring will be allocated on a first come first served basis as long as funding is available.
Broadway / Boren / Rainier / MLK / Massachusetts / Lake Washington / Madison
Funding and Advertisement
In order to purchase plants and provide a stipend for our mentors, we will be exploring funding through private charitable organizations.
We will be utilizing social media, printed posters, neighborhood blogs, community councils and other local community groups to bring awareness to this project.
FAQs
Central Area Resident
“Growing up in Seattle was a magical time for me. The robins would awaken us early with their beautiful bird songs and beckon
us to come outside to nature’s beauty.
Back then we had numerous cherry and apple trees and luckier streets had those delicious, juicy fruit trees that were a split
between an apple and a pear.
There was enough to feast on for everyone, both kids and critters. My enchantment was with the big and beautiful butterflies of every shape and color imaginable. We’d also catch, and release bees, and grasshoppers and marvel at the speed and feistiness of hummingbirds. Life was good because we were one with nature.
After College I started going to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to learn about Backyard Habitats. I took what I learned to my Science Camp in my new home in Atlanta, GA.
That’s where I became familiar with the Xerces Society and the Pollinator Partnership. I learned how essential pollinators, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are to the ecosystem but also that they were seriously on the decline due to habitat loss from overdevelopment and pesticide use. I also learned that we can easily help them by planting flowers, especially native plants, that
attract them. I was also told about Seattle’s Pollinator Pathway during one of my family visits to Seattle. I was in awe that it was right here in our own CD.
After relocating to Seattle in 2015-2016, I’d attend the Northwest Flower and Garden Show each year at the Washington Convention Center to get updates on how to help pollinators. Imagine my excitement when CANDC announced their “Bring Back The Birds” Program that will be coming soon to D3.
In 2023 I was sadly made aware that birds are also on the decline. They say that you can tell the state of the environment by judging the state of the bird population. I haven’t seen a Robin since my return to Seattle. What I have
seen is non stop construction and cut down trees. This was prior to Bird Flu which we are currently experiencing. So lately I’ve been following Seward Park’s Audubon Society for
updates and I’m pleased that CANDC will do what they can to help the birds too. Be on the lookout! This is some Good Stuff that the whole family can enjoy. As we save the Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, and Birds, we save our environment and ourselves.”
Choosing Pollinator Plants
Looking to add some pollinator-friendly plants to your garden? Check out our list of recommended plants below, courtesy of Swansons Nursery in Seattle: