Healthy Soil, Livable Future
Massachusetts Chapter | Action Group
Native Plants and Pollinators
Bees are dying, which many experts attribute to increased use of pesticides. In response, people throughout Massachusetts are creating pollinator networks – by planting native species with a focus on those plants that draw pollinators to them. Homeowners can join these pollinator pathways by “rewilding” parts of their lawns with these plants.
In June 2021, the MA Pollinator Network, based at the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA), was launched. Its role is to “connect and support the growing number of communities, organizations, and research groups working to protect pollinators across the Commonwealth.”
Its aim is to “strengthen existing partnerships and build new collaborations to accomplish shared goals, to provide activists and advocates with the resources they need to succeed in their efforts, and to engage in education and outreach to raise awareness about the actions each of us can take to protect and promote pollinators and insect biodiversity broadly.”
NOFA also led the six-year grass-roots effort to rid our state of neonic pesticides. On March 1st, 2021, the Mass. Pesticide Board Subcommittee passed a motion to protect pollinators by restricting the use of neonic pesticides. These new regulations go into effect in 2022, when pesticide products containing neonics will be removed from retail stores.
LEARN: Massachusetts Pollinator Network
Take Action
Pledge to protect and build healthy soils by nurturing a natural lawn! By pledging with others, you participate in an effort that combats climate change, restores water cycles, and has your family enjoying cool green beneath your feet. Acting together, we can inspire others and change the conversation around natural lawns!
ACT: Take The Natural Lawn Pledge