Ames is the first city in the nation to create an official 10-year plan to become a pollinator-friendly community, partnering with Prairie Rivers of Iowa to:
- Vision: Become a leader in developing and sustaining pollinator habitat that will enrich the quality of life for the human and biological communities of Ames
- Global Impact: Support the pollinator community to address food insecurity and ecological health, offset the impacts of climate change, and serve as an example for other cities around the world
Iowa has over 2,500 native pollinators, including nearly 400 bee species, 110 butterfly species, and 2,000 moth species! Unfortunately, pollinator populations across the US are in steep decline. You can help us take action to protect these small, yet vital creatures.
The plan has 4 main goals:
1) NATIVE HABITAT: Create and enhance habitats that support native pollinator diversity
2) ABUNDANCE & DIVERSITY: Continuously monitor pollinator abundance and diversity within the city of Ames and urban fringe area over the next 10 years
3) HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT: Provide a healthier environment for pollinators
4) RAISE AWARENESS: Deliver marketing to amplify awareness for the Ames Pollinator-Friendly Community Plan
Click on each of the goals to learn more, including how you can help!
As stated by the Pollinator Friendly Alliance:
Pollinators need you.
You need pollinators.
Without the actions of pollinators, agricultural economies, our food supply, and surrounding landscapes would collapse.
Do you want to help us collect data on pollinators in Ames? Sign up to become a pollinator surveyor! All you need is a passion for pollinators and a yard to survey.
Do you like taking photos of pollinators, insects, or native plants? Submit them here and we might use them in a social media post or marketing materials! We will mark the photo with your name to give you credit for your photo.
Are you interested in learning more about the plan and what your group can do to help? We will present to your group/club/organization! Just click the button below to sign up.
Contact Us!
Do you live in the Ames area? Are you excited to be a part of this vision for Ames? Join us by reaching out to Katelyn Rinicker at krinicker@prrcd.org or call 515-232-0048.