Conservation District works to attract pollinators

May 29—The Eastern Sanders County Conservation District, in their ongoing goal to beautify Sanders County, was at the fairgrounds last week handing out free wildflower seeds.

Staff administrator Emily Baker and Green Mountain Conservation District member Morgan Owens were on hand to answer questions.

The Conservation District is trying to attract more beneficial pollinators to the area, and they are doing it with free wildflower seed species packets. This year's give-away happened in Hot Springs, Heron, Noxon, Trout Creek and Plains.

Site preparations is required before planting with the expectation that the pollinator gardens be managed and tended to over time.

The free seed distribution is in its third year.

According to the Eastern Sanders Conservation District, pollinators live in a wide variety of habitats and use a wide variety of pollen sources. With less and less habitat pollinators are declining; this is why it is important to have a variety of plants that pollinators will use in your own back yard. Pollinator gardens are a great way to increase native pollinators and beneficial insects. This mix contains plants with varying blooming times to provide a food source for pollinators all season long. Flowers of all different shapes, sizes, and colors are included in the mix to attract a variety of different beneficial insects. Some of the insects that are attracted to pollinator gardens include bees, butterflies, and moths. These insects are responsible for pollinating the fruits, vegetables, and nuts that we eat.

For additional information contact [email protected].