Pollinator Pathway Challenge

What is the Brighton Pollinator Pathway Challenge?

Color Brighton Green and the Town of Brighton Conservation Board invite you to join the pollinator pathway challenge to beautify your yard while you help our local pollinators.  Pollinator pathways provide corridors of critical healthy native habitat and food sources for butterflies, moths, bees and other pollinating insects, birds, and other wildlife.  It's easy to participate: 

1. Plant ten native species 
   
   

•  Identify what native plants you already have growing

  • See Color Brighton Green's list of recommended phone apps that enable you to utilize your camera to identify plants

• Select and sow native perennials, shrubs, and trees in your yard to meet a minimum of 10 native species

  • See submission form for a condensed list of native plant options

  • Explore more native plant options

  • Consider plants that bloom in different seasons for constant food supply

• Mark down which existing and newly planted species you have growing on our submission form
  
  

2. Provide water and shelter for pollinators
   
   

• Water and Shelter for Pollinators – Cornell Cooperative Extension

• Nesting and Overwintering Habitat - Xerces.org

• Change the water 2-3 times per week during warm weather when mosquitoes are breeding
  
  

3. Avoid pesticides and chemical fertilizers

• Pesticides are commonly used to kill invertebrate pests, diseases, and weeds. However, many pesticides - including insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides - harm pollinators and other beneficial insects. More information on pesticides and pollinators.

• Chemical fertilizers degrade soil health and can pollute our waterways. Instead, try using your autumn leaves as a natural (and free!) organic fertilizer.

4. Submit your completed form  and pick up your Brighton Pollinator Pathway sign at Brighton Town Hall in the Department of Public Works, Mon. - Fri., 9 am - 5 pm.

5. Display your sign in your yard and encourage your neighbors to join the challenge to expand the pollinator pathway!

• Consider adding your address to the national Pollinator Pathway map at Pollinator-Pathway.org

Visit Color Brighton Green for additional information and links.  

The Pollinator Pathway is a national effort.  We have utilized resources from organizations including Pollinator Pathway National Organization, Homegrown National Park, Xerces Society and Cornell Cooperative Extension - Monroe County Master Gardeners to create this opportunity for Brighton residents.  The Brighton efforts will be linked with a local umbrella organization, Healthy Yards Monroe County.