Certify Your Pollinator Friendly Garden with the Penn State Master Gardeners

Pollination, the transfer of pollen from the anthers of a flower to the stigma of the same flower or of another flower, is vital to our food supply. Insects and other animals are a key element in facilitating this transfer. In fact, one of every three bites of food comes to us by pollinators!

Pollinators need our help.  Both native bees and domestic bee populations are declining, affected by habitat loss, disease and contact with pesticides.  Penn State Extension Master Gardeners are taking action to protect pollinators by planting pollinator friendly gardens and providing education for the gardening public. You can join this effort by providing food and habitat for native insects/animals. Pollinators will, in turn, provide the pollination needed to protect our plant diversity and food sources.  Certifying your property as “Pollinator Friendly” will help support a healthy ecosystem for our community and our future.

Does your property already qualify? Fill out the application and send it with a non-refundable $10.00 application fee. If you qualify you will receive a certificate verifying that your landscape is pollinator friendly (see photo above).  You will then be eligible for the Penn State Master Gardener Pollinator Friendly Garden sign for $30.00. Both the certificate and the sign show your commitment to conserve pollinator habitat. Your donation also helps support Penn State Master Gardeners continue their quest of educating the public about the importance of providing habitat for pollinators.

Need help? Call or email your County Extension Office

What do you need to do to certify your garden?

Following these steps will assure a sustainable pollinator friendly garden:

PROCEED TO STEP 1: Provide Food for Pollinators