Pollinators need sources of water for many purposes, including drinking and reproduction. Butterflies, for example, will gather and sip at shallow pools, mud puddles or even birdbaths. You may already have a natural water source, such as a pond or stream. If not, you can create a water source. This can be as easy as adding a bird bath or a puddling area for butterflies or as complex as installing a water garden. You can also provide water by hanging a dripping bottle, or placing a small container of water out in the open. Be sure to change the water 2-3 times per week during warm weather when mosquitoes are breeding.
For more information on providing water sources, click on the publications below:
- Water for Wildlife (PDF), Pennsylvania Wildlife Sheet, Penn State University College of Agricultural Sciences
In order to certify, your garden needs one or more of the following:
- Butterfly Puddling Area
- Birdbath or shallow water source
- Pond
- Stream
- Water Garden
- Spring
