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!
Received your seeds already? Scroll down for instructional videos!
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. Volunteer at a Pollinator ProjectWe'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.
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Why It Matters: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!
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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.
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.
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.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.