Pollinator Gardens

One aspect of the Cherry Hill Environmental Board's (CHEB) natural resource management mission is to support native pollinators like butterflies and bees. Many pollinators, like the Monarch butterfly, are in decline. Some are even on the federal and state endangered species lists. This decline is primarily due to loss of habitat, and misuse of pesticides.

Converting mowed areas on Cherry Hill Open Space lands to pollinator friendly habitats creates pesticide-free homes for native plants, pollinators and other wildlife. 

Pollinator habitats provide:

• A place of beauty and mental rest for humans
• A location for artists and photographers
• A place for nature study
• A resource to absorb rainwater and prevent erosion
• Habitat that reduces the need for public workers to use gas-polluting mowers to cut grass.

Here’s what CHEB is doing to create pollinator habitat…

CHEB is developing pollinator gardens and meadows. In the spring of 2016 CHEB took one previously mowed patch on Open Space lands at the Cleveland Ave trailhead of Cherry Valley Trails that supported no wildlife and converted it to a pollinator “meadow”. By the fall of 2017 native flowering plants filled the space of over 1000 square feet. Butterflies, bees, birds, and even bunnies responded. Monarchs laid eggs and their caterpillars munched on the leaves of the milkweed that CHEB volunteers planted. The Cherry Valley Trails pollinator meadow received the designation of Monarch Waystation.

There are currently 11 pollinator gardens located in Cherry Hill on either Cherry Hill Open Space Natural Lands or on Pollinator Garden Partner Lands. Click here for a complete list of locations.

Here’s how you can help maintain these habitats, their wildlife and enhance the experience of trail users…

Volunteer a little time to maintain and improve current and future pollinator gardens and meadows by:

• Planting new plants
• Mulch
• Trim
• Weed
• Compost

Interested in starting your own garden? No matter how large or small, you will provide a habitat for pollinators that will add beauty to your yard and sustain pollinators crucial to the environment.

1. Prepare your site by removing grass and other plants, including the roots. Consider a soil test and observe the soil, drainage, and amount of light. Do not use landscape fabric or black mulch.
2. Choose native plants which are already adapted to the local climate. For a list of recommended plants, click here. Avoid hybrids. Buy seed/plants that will thrive in your yard’s condition (i.e. shade, full sun, etc).
3. Specifically choose plants that are pollen and nectar rich in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors. This helps attract pollinators. Choose plants that will provide blossoms from spring to fall.
4. Provide a water source for birds that is no deeper than two inches. A simple roasting pan will do the trick. Be sure to change the water every day. Provide an area for perching and resting, such as an old log or branches.
5. Avoid pesticides, if possible. Many will kill the pollinators you are trying to attract. If necessary, use organic or natural pesticides, preferably before the plants flower. Some herbs can be planted as companion plants to deter pests.
6. Save clean-up of the perennial plants until the spring. These plants provide protection and a nesting site to the pollinators, especially native bees over the winter. Also, seed heads and berries can provide winter food for non-migratory birds like cardinals, white-throated sparrows, and Northern Juncos.