Pollinator Habitat Kit

Coming Soon...

A bee flying near purple flowers. — Bee approaching bloom of a Thickleaf Yerba Santa, Eriodictyon crassifolium. Photo by Michele Felix-Derbarmdiker

In 2023 the RCRCD was awarded a grant through the Wildlife Conservation Board of California and the California Association of Conservation Districts. This grant focuses on climate resiliency thru the restoration of lands in the state of California. Via the grant, the RCRCD is creating a robust seed location of local native plants, modernizing and expanding our native plant nursery and creating pollinator habitat kits. These free pollinator habtiat kits are available to members of the public who reside in our district boundaries. Kits are not only available to individuals but libraries, community centers, community gardens, schools, farms, small businesses etc.; with a focus on underserved communities. Underserved communities histrocially lack important green spaces. Green space is important not only for human health but the health of our wildlife. As pollinators and other wildlife species, continue to struggle with ever-variable climates, urban gardens have become islands of refuge. Support our local pollinators by applying to be part of our 1, 2, 3...for the Butterflies and Bees Program.

Steps for Program Sucess:

1. Apply for a free habitat kit. Fill out the application below and email to our Naturalist, Michele Felix-Derbarmdiker, at Felix-Derbarmdiker@rcrcd.org. Kits are available to individuals or groups that reside within our district boundaries. Our district boundaries can be viewed by clicking on District Boundary Map. Approximately 50-60 kits will be available each year. Those who apply but do not recieve a kit for that year will added to our waitlist as first priority for the following year.

2. Plan and Plant. Our kits cover approximately 400 square ft, depending on the type of kit selected. There are 2-4 different kits to choose from each year. Kits are seperated based on sun exposure and purpose. Be sure to walk your planting area, plan for irrigation, check sun exposure and research the native plants in your selected kit. The California Native Plant Society has created a beautiful website, www.calscape.org, that allows for you to search for individual species or look up plants native to your area by using your address.

3. Sit back and enjoy! Congratulations on successfully planting your new California native plant garden. Now you watch your plants grow and blossom. Before you know it, butterflies, bees and birds will begin to visit your yard. The wildlife thanks you and we at the RCRCD thank you for participating in our efforts to help our communities be climate resiliant. Please email us pictures of your new garden! We love to see our plants thriving.