All of us can make a positive impact on pollinator conservation. — Amy Yarger
The city of Manitou Springs proudly announces its distinction as the world’s first certified municipal Pollinator District, through an innovative partnership with Butterfly Pavilion, showcasing the community’s unwavering commitment to protecting and preserving vital pollinators.
This remarkable achievement is the result of a collaborative effort by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Manitou Pollinators, dedicated community volunteers and numerous other contributors. Manitou Springs sets an inspiring example for cities worldwide by championing the cause of pollinator conservation and leading the way in sustainable community development.
“This certification as the world’s first certified municipal pollinator district is not only a remarkable accolade for our city but also a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of the Manitou Springs community,” said Mayor John Graham.
“We take immense pride in setting an example for other cities to follow, showing that with concerted efforts, we can protect one of the most crucial elements of our planet — pollinators.”
Pollinators such as honeybees, native bees and butterflies are vital to the human production of food and the reproduction of native plants. Over the past few decades, habitat destruction, chemical pollution, parasites and pathogens have significantly decreased their numbers.
In response to these challenges, the Butterfly Pavilion, located in Westminster, has created Pollinator Districts, communities designed to conserve and improve habitat for pollinators.
“All of us rely on pollinators such as bees and butterflies for the food we eat and the health of our ecosystems, and all of us can make a positive impact on pollinator conservation through our daily actions,” said Amy Yarger, director of horticulture, Butterfly Pavilion.
“Butterfly Pavilion uses our scientific expertise to collaborate with communities such as Manitou Springs to ensure a brighter future for pollinators, people and other living things.”
Manitou Springs has transformed its landscapes into environments rich in flowers and native plants, creating a haven for butterflies, bees and other essential pollinators. Through the incorporation of rain gardens, bio-swales, green roofs, public common areas and residential developments, the city has seamlessly integrated pollinator-friendly enhancements into various green spaces.
“Indigenous Peoples understand and know intact Earth ecosystems are the foundation for all life” said Melody Daugherty Tsalagi, executive director of the Manitou Pollinators and project manager for the Manitou Springs Pollinator District.
“As an Indigenous elder and executive director of the Manitou Pollinators, a 501(c)3 Indigenous-led nonprofit, I am extremely proud of the strength, resilience and vision my ancestors gave me to achieve Manitou Springs’ distinction as the first Certified Pollinator District in the world benefiting all beings.”
Elements of Pollinator Districts include:
- Research — establishing a baseline of pollinator diversity and understanding challenges in the area of interest;
- Habitat restoration — restoring open spaces with native shrubs and wildflowers to provide nutrition for pollinators;
- Habitat gardening — building gardens that more closely resemble natural habitat, including a variety of native flowering plants and shrubs, open ground and a passive water source.
- Beekeeping — training aspiring beekeepers in the community about how to keep bees through sustainable techniques;
- Public education and engagement — educating diverse audiences on pollinator conservation topics through volunteer opportunities, workshops, classes, public events and more; and
- Sustainability — prioritizing sustainable design, construction and maintenance practices that conserve water and soil and preserve native plant communities whenever possible.
IF YOU GO
Local leaders and community members will share their experiences and insights into this remarkable accomplishment 10-11 a.m. Saturday, June 24, during the Pollinator Party in the Bud Ford Pavilion at Soda Springs Park. This event includes the Butterfly Pavilion’s official presentation of the certification for Manitou as the world’s first-ever municipal Pollinator District. Information here.