DCR is Growing Wild for Pollinators by expanding and enhancing our landscapes with native plants that support pollinators, wildlife, and the environment. These Managed Pollinator Habitats are throughout the DCR system and include Pollinator Gardens, Managed Meadows, and Low Mow Zones. Through selective seed and plant installation, and prescribed landscape management, these habitats are installed and maintained following DCR’s Pollinator Habitats and Gardens Best Management Practices and with the support of DCR staff, partners, and Friend’s groups.
DCR staff will be installing Growing Wild signs to highlight these areas. We invite you to visit a DCR Growing Wild site near you to learn more!
Pollinator plants being installed near the restored dam by the Friends of Harold Parker State Forest – plants provided by Oakhaven Sanctuary, Native Plant Nursery & Consulting
By Growing Wild DCR is not only improving habitats for pollinators! These habitats are also important for our local birds, small mammals, amphibians and reptiles. In addition, by reducing mowing we are using less fossil fuel such as gasoline and diesel, increasing storm water and carbon absorption by the land and improving air quality!
DCR’s efforts support the Commonwealth’s Leading by Example Program’s Sustainable Landscape Initiative .