TENNESSEE ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL
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Join our community of Tennesseans who are actively carving out gardens to attract, feed & nurture pollinating wildlife.
Received your seeds already? Scroll down for instructional videos!


Plant My Garden
Report My Garden's Size
join our facebook group
Get a Yard Sign & Seeds
Gardens for Schools
Seed Mix Details

About The Program:


Through Generate Some Buzz, we aim to engage hundreds of Tennesseans in establishing new pollinator habitat statewide. We welcome all gardens, both big and small! By participating in this program, you are joining a vibrant community of Tennesseans who are committed to protecting our pollinators, one plot at a time.
How to participate

Volunteer at a Pollinator Project 

We're working with Stratford STEM School & Shelby Bottoms Nature Center in Nashville on creating pollinator habitat in public places. Learn more about these projects or sign up to volunteer by clicking the buttons below.
Stratford STEM Pollinator Project
Volunteer
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Seed Mixes Available

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Populations of many pollinator species like bees, butterflies and bats (yes, they're pollinators too!) have been negatively impacted by agricultural practices such as using synthetic pesticides, disease and habitat loss. These creatures are experiencing a drastically different world compared to just a few decades ago.

Native pollinators depend on native plants to provide habitat and food, and plants need pollinators to help them reproduce. In fact, pollinators assist in the reproduction of 75% of flowering plants worldwide. THAT'S HUGE!

So, if we turn our manicured lawns that provide little to nothing for pollinators into havens full of native flowers and wild grasses, we will effectively "generate some buzz" and bring back these essential workers full force!
Square feet of new pollinator habitat established in Tennessee

Getting Started:


Learn more about pollinators and how to create a successful pollinator garden in the "Pollinator Handbook" button and video below.

Cold Stratification: Many wildflower seeds require cold stratification for higher germination rate. It means they need to be exposed to cold temperatures below 40 degree Fahrenheit, to go through a dormancy period before they are able to germinate. In nature seeds undergo dormancy phase during winter time, therefore we suggest planting the seeds in the fall or winter. If you plant them after the cold season, we advise you to place the seeds in the refrigerator for at least 30 days before planting.

If you aren't quite ready to start a garden, keep scrolling to learn more about the interesting world of pollinators in Tennessee!
Pollinator Handbook
Bee Basics
Bee Identification guide
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Tennessee's Pollinator Habitat

Many species of pollinators thrive in open areas like prairies and grassland savannas. The map to the left shows the historical range of grasslands in Tennessee. The grassland ecosystems covered large parts of Tennessee and provided ideal habitat for pollinators. Much of this habitat has been lost to development or agriculture. 

Explore the map to see if you live in or near an area which was previously a grassland.  Although many pollinator species need grasslands to survive, there are other species that only live in wooded or wetland environments. This data was provided by the Southeast Grassland Initiative. The bees on the map highlight the location of already established pollinator gardens in backyards.

Get Your Generate Some Buzz Yard Sign!

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These signs will show your friends and neighbors that your wildflower garden supports pollinators and hopefully get them excited about starting a pollinator garden too! Our original signs are made from embossed, recycled aluminum and measure 8 x 12 inches. They are available for a donation of $25 each and can be shipped directly to you. To get yours now, click the button below!
Get a Yard Sign

Program Partners:


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This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number NR204741XXXXG003. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In addition, any reference to specific brands or types of products or services does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for those products or services.”

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Tennessee Environmental Council
​One Vantage Way Suite E-250
​Nashville, TN 37228 | 615-248-6500 | [email protected] 
​TEC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 1970.
TEC 
does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its hiring, programs, or activities. 
To file a discrimination complaint, contact Gwendolyn Kanies at [email protected].
  • Home
  • Donate
    • Matching Gifts
    • Share 360
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer & Events
    • Be An Ambassador
    • Pollinator Initiative
    • Composting Initiative >
      • Submit Compost Totals Here
      • Community Success Stories
      • Resources for Businesses
    • Recycling Initiative >
      • 2026 Nissan Franklin Recycles
      • Chattanooga Recycles
    • Watershed Initiative >
      • Davidson County Litter Cleanups
      • Grassy Branch Creek Restoration Project
      • Lytle Creek Restoration Project
      • Duck River Opportunities Project
      • Stream Support and Consulting
      • Citizen Action Guide
    • Tree Initiative >
      • Tennessee Tree Day >
        • Tree Planting & Care
        • Useful Tree Resources
        • Benefits of trees
      • Tennessee Chestnut Project
      • Guidelines For A Tennessee Tree Project Event
      • Tennessee Tree Varieties We Have Planted
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Board of Directors
    • Intern with TEC
    • Join Our Team
    • Mission, Vision & Accomplishments
    • 50 Years of Accomplishments