Extremely important for the health of our environment, most plants across the globe rely on pollinators, such as bees, birds, and other wildlife, for reproduction. Flowers, shrubs, and trees all need pollinators to move their pollen to new blooms.
Roadside and utility project rights-of-way (ROWs), spaces that can be barren of vegetation, are great places for pollinator habitat development. Many developers have realized the benefits of creating spaces for pollinator breeding/nesting along their projects. Establishing these green spaces gives insects and birds a refuge and helps link habitats across different areas.
Tim McGuire, a Senior Project Manager of Environmental Services, talks us through how to best promote pollinator conservation on a project’s ROW:
- Prescribed Mowing – Varying mowing schedule, cut height, corridor percentage, slowing mower speed, and adding flush attachment to equipment can all preserve pollinator habitat value and/or minimize direct mortality of pollinators.
- Pesticide Reduction - Where possible limit or eliminate the use of chemicals to maintain the ROW. Chemical treatment of the ROW can devastate pollinator communities.
- Seasonal Mowing – Mow in early spring instead of fall. This allows organisms and bird food sources to overwinter.
- Native/Local Species – In restoration plans, specify seed mixes that are composed of native species beneficial to local pollinator communities.
