Parks for Pollinators

Pollinators are critical to our world and are considered to be “keystone” species in the ecosystem. They support plant diversity and help hold ecosystems together, including supporting the food and habitat of animals.

Pollinators are critical to our world and are considered to be “keystone” species in the ecosystem. They support plant diversity and help hold ecosystems together, including supporting the food and habitat of animals.

Here are just a few reasons why pollinators are so important:

Pollinators include many different types of animals, including bees, butterflies, moths, birds, bats, beetles, and other insects.
Nearly 75% of all flowering plants need the assistance of pollinators to transfer pollen from flowers to produce seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
Pollinators provide pollination services to over 180,000 different plant species and more than 1,200 crops. Approximately one out of every three bites of food you eat depends on the work of a pollinating animal.
Pollinators support healthy ecosystems that clean the air, stabilize soils and support other wildlife.

How NCPRD is Supporting Pollinators

Parks, gardens, and greenspaces have become increasingly important to supporting the vitality of diverse pollinator species. One of the ways NCPRD is supporting local pollinators is by planting native flowering plant species in parks and natural areas. Native plants are best adapted to the climate and soil conditions of a specific region, often making them more drought tolerant and low maintenance. These plants have evolved to develop a mutually beneficial relationship with local wildlife and pollinators and are the heart of a pollinator-friendly garden.

NCPRD and Clackamas County participate in the Xerces Society’s Pollinator Habitat Kit Program, which provides plants and resources to help restore habitat and support declining pollinators.

Visit a Pollinator Garden

Although there are pollinator-friendly plants throughout many NCPRD parks, we have created three dedicated pollinator gardens in the District, which NCPRD planted in coordination with Pollinator Partnership. Stop by to see a variety of blooming native flowers late spring through summer, and learn more about local pollinators from the interpretive signs at each park.

Alma Myra Park

7510 SE Thiessen Rd., Portland, OR 97267 Native flowers include osoberry, trillium, pacific bleeding heart, fringecup, western columbine and snowberry.

Hawthorne Park

7510 SE King Rd., Milwaukie, OR 97222 Native flowers include goldenrod, yarrow, Oregon sunshine, meadow checkermallow, riverbank lupine and Douglas aster.

Stringfield Park

3614 SE Naef Rd., Milwaukie, OR 97267 Native flowers include camas, yarrow, Oregon sunshine, meadow checkermallow, riverbank lupine and Douglas aster.

Stringfield Park

Pollinator Resources

Interested in finding out when certain native flowers bloom? Have you ever wondered which flowers attract certain wildlife, based on flower shape, size, scent, and color? Here are some helpful resources and activities.

Bloom Calendar

Pollinator Color Wheel

Coloring Sheet

How You Can Help Pollinators

Plant native plants

Grow a haven for pollinators in your community garden, windowsill, or backyard. Get inspired with a Native Garden Recipe Card for the Northwest, provided by Pollinator Partnership.

Limit or eliminate use of pesticides

Many pesticides are extremely toxic to honey bees and other beneficial insects. Do not apply pesticides highly toxic to bees during bloom.

Volunteer at NCPRD park stewardship events

NCPRD regularly hosts volunteer events to enhance parks, including cleaning up trash, removing invasive plants and planting native plants. Check for upcoming events.

Spring Park