Pollinator Friendly Garden Certification

Providing habitat for pollinators means that a garden will provide a diversity of plants that feed and host pollinators.

Monroe County Master Gardeners are here to help Monroe County residents plant the way for pollinators!

Certifying your property as “Pollinator Friendly” will help support a healthy ecosystem for our community and our future. 

Please review the following requirements, complete the application, pay by credit or check, and submit.

Note: Plant lists for each step are included in the application.

STEP 1: PROVIDE FOOD

1. Nectar and Pollen Sources. Pollinators need a diversity of nectar and pollen sources to sustain them. (*Required for certification)

• Choose plants that provide pollen and nectar sources from early spring to late fall*
• Provide a variety of flower shapes and sizes *
• When using annuals, choose old-fashioned heirloom varieties and limit the use of modern hybrids
• Incorporate pollinator friendly native plants into the garden *
• Place plants in clusters * (Minimum of 3-5 plants of each kind is recommended) Plant close together

Because of the close association between pollinators and native plants, this certification program is based on native plants. You will have to indicate the pollinator friendly native plants that you have on your property.

2. Caterpillar Food Sources: A total of at least 3 different host plant species is required (not three plants of a single species). Any combination of host plants across Trees, Shrubs and Perennials is acceptable. See application for plant list to choose from.

3. Native Trees & Shrubs: At least 4 different species of native trees and shrubs (any combination of trees or shrubs) is required. See application for plant list to choose from.

4. Native Perennials: At least 3 each of 9 different species of native perennial flowers planted in clusters of 3 or more. Must have at least 3 species from each season (Early Season Bloom: April/May/June; Mid-Season Bloom: July/August; Late Season Bloom: Sept./October). See application for plant list to choose from.

STEP 2: PROVIDE WATER SOURCES.

Like all living things, pollinators need a source of water. Indicate how will you provide water for pollinators (minimum requirement of 1):

• Birdbath or shallow water source
• Stream
• Butterfly puddling area
• Spring
• Water Garden / Pond

STEP 3: PROVIDE SHELTER

Pollinators need places to nest and to overwinter indicate how you will provide overwintering and nesting sites for pollinators (minimum requirement of 3):

• Spaces of bare ground
• Man-made boxes
• Rock pile / wall
• Leave garden cleanup until spring
• Dead wood

STEP 4: SAFEGUARDING POLLINATOR HABITAT

ACTION 1: CONTROLLING INVASIVE PLANTS

Did you know that invasive plants threaten pollinator habitat by endangering the native plants that pollinators require for survival? Invasive plants that move from our yards to woodlands and natural areas threaten diversity that is vital to pollinator survival. We can all help by not planting invasives and removing existing invasives on our properties.

ACTION 2: REDUCING PESTICIDE USE

See application for pesticide reduction requirements.

Completing the Application

Download Certification Application Here

Downloads PDF that can be filled out online or printed

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

MAIL OR EMAIL YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION & PHOTOS

See application for details.

PAY BY CHECK OR CREDIT CARD

A non-refundable processing fee of $20.00 is required to certify your garden. After your application has been reviewed we will register your garden and send you the official certificate.

Pay by Credit via PayPal (no account needed, can checkout as guest):

Pay by Check:

Please make your check payable to: Cornell Cooperative Extension – Monroe County

Submit your Application:

See directions on step 3 under the "Submitting Your Application" section of the Application

THE GARDEN VISIT

After receiving your application, we will contact you to schedule a time for two Master Gardener volunteers to visit your garden to review your application and answer your questions related to the application. See application for details.

CERTIFICATION SIGN

Help spread the word! Once certified, you become eligible to purchase a Cornell Cooperative Extension Pollinator Friendly Garden sign to display in your garden for $30.00.

Last updated March 22, 2023