Restoring pollinator habitat – one Patch at a time

Benjamin Reynard of Dubuque has started a Kickstarter campaign to restore a million acres of pollinator habitat.

Because pollination services from native bees, butterflies and other pollinators are vital to our environment, Reynard developed the Pollinator Patch, packed with a specialized pollinator seed mix. The patches will provide “optimal floral resources and diversity for our native pollinators.”

 

The patch concept has three aspects:

1. Native pollinator-optimized seed mixes are offered in five sizes: 1,000 sq. ft./4,000 sq. ft./.25 acre/.5 acre/and 1 acre patches. They can be used in small city yards, suburban yards, pastures, meadows and large acreages.
2. Pollinator Patch map and patch tags The patches are measured and quantified on the Patch Map, which allows users to plant a unique Patch Tag found in the seed mix bag. Patch Tags can be later updated with pictures of pollinators at work or of floral resources in bloom.
3. Pollinator Patch Global Network allows the restoration, protection and enhancement of pollination networks between plants and animals with goals of a more interconnected conservation paradigm and purchasing permanent conservation easements for pollinator refuges.

As of now, the patches are shipped directly to customers (viaKickstarter) but will soon be available for purchase in gardenand home improvement stores.