A pollinator garden in front of the Wellesley Police Department is helping feed and house local birds, bees and other insects that pollinate our plants. These species are vital to our food supply because they ensure healthy crops.

The NRC hosted one of three demonstration gardens in Massachusetts as part of a grant from Pollinate New England, an initiative of New England Wild Flower Society (NEWFS). In June 2018, town volunteers and staff from the NRC and Dept. of Public Works participated in two educational programs to learn how to help these critical species. The main takeaway of the day: we should be planting more native plants in our open spaces and private yards!

The pollinator garden project is closely aligned with the NRC's Grow Green Wellesley initiative, which encourages reduced pesticide use and promotes earth- and pollinator-friendly landscaping and lawn care. The town currently uses pollinator-friendly plants in many of its garden spaces and plans to expand this practice.

The resources below provide in-depth  garden planting information.