Coos Watershed Association
$49,826  Coast Range Ecoregion  Addresses drought

There is an increasing recognition that pollinators are indispensable constituents of healthy, functional ecosystems. However, their numbers are in an overall state of decline, which can be largely attributed to habitat loss. Luckily, even ecologically sterile spaces – such as suburban lawns and urban areas – can be augmented to support pollinators. This project proposes to facilitate such a transformation in Coos Bay. The Coos Watershed Association will grow 5 native species of wildflowers at their native plant nursery. CoosWA staff will then give presentations to local groups, instructing them on the benefits of native landscaping as well as how to begin the process. Interested individuals will receive a free-of-charge wildflower ‘starter pack’ from our nursery. We will also create a guide to common local pollinators, and distribute it as part of the starter pack. Recipients will be encouraged to report sightings to iNaturalist as part of a citizen science initiative.