Somerville Pollinator Action Plan

Between 2023-2024, Mayor Ballantyne's Division of Public Space and Urban Forestry worked with a community advisory committee and Offshoots, Inc., to develop the Somerville Pollinator Action Plan.

Our primary goal: to create more habitat for pollinators. And our community can make a difference through big and small actions. If we act together, we can respond to local and global pollinator population decline. You too can support pollinators and wildlife if you rent or own your home, like to garden or don't.

Open up the Somerville Pollinator Action Plan here to discover:

Why pollinators are important.
Who is here: Somerville-specific and regional pollinator species.
What they need: Specific landscaping recommendations.
Actions we can all take: Tips for property owners, renters, landscapers, City officials, schools, and kids (among others).
Garden designs and plant lists.

Between 2023-2024, Mayor Ballantyne's Division of Public Space and Urban Forestry worked with a community advisory committee and Offshoots, Inc., to develop the Somerville Pollinator Action Plan.

Open up the Somerville Pollinator Action Plan here to discover:

Why pollinators are important.
Who is here: Somerville-specific and regional pollinator species.
What they need: Specific landscaping recommendations.
Actions we can all take: Tips for property owners, renters, landscapers, City officials, schools, and kids (among others).
Garden designs and plant lists.

Questions? Comments?

We'd love to hear from you!

Share Hello, I wanted to know what are the list of native plants that are highly recommended to plant in the garden. Thank you, on Facebook Share Hello, I wanted to know what are the list of native plants that are highly recommended to plant in the garden. Thank you, on Twitter Share Hello, I wanted to know what are the list of native plants that are highly recommended to plant in the garden. Thank you, on Linkedin Email Hello, I wanted to know what are the list of native plants that are highly recommended to plant in the garden. Thank you, link

Hello, I wanted to know what are the list of native plants that are highly recommended to plant in the garden. Thank you,

yizu asked 4 months ago

Hello! Thank you for your question.
Yes, we do! We have a top 10 plant list based on our Somerville-specific research. You can download that here.
We also have just published our full plan! You can download the whole thing here or you can download an excerpt that has just the planting lists and garden design ideas here. These can be found in the "Documents" tab of this webpage.
I hope that helps and feel free to reach out if you have additional questions: spap@somervillema.gov.
Best, Alison
Share Will there be funding for native planting projects or to replace diseased trees with native trees on private property? I am a tenant who would willingly coordinate pollinator-friendly efforts with a landlord who would welcome the changes if there were funding for it. on Facebook Share Will there be funding for native planting projects or to replace diseased trees with native trees on private property? I am a tenant who would willingly coordinate pollinator-friendly efforts with a landlord who would welcome the changes if there were funding for it. on Twitter Share Will there be funding for native planting projects or to replace diseased trees with native trees on private property? I am a tenant who would willingly coordinate pollinator-friendly efforts with a landlord who would welcome the changes if there were funding for it. on Linkedin Email Will there be funding for native planting projects or to replace diseased trees with native trees on private property? I am a tenant who would willingly coordinate pollinator-friendly efforts with a landlord who would welcome the changes if there were funding for it. link

Will there be funding for native planting projects or to replace diseased trees with native trees on private property? I am a tenant who would willingly coordinate pollinator-friendly efforts with a landlord who would welcome the changes if there were funding for it.

Mayahl asked 5 months ago

Hello,
Great question! There is no current program to fund plantings on private property. But now that the plan is complete, City staff will try to determine ways we can implement the plan's recommendations. I will make a note of your idea to add into the conversation.
In the meantime, local groups like the Somerville Garden Club(External link), the Somerville Community Growing Center(External link), and the MAMAS Gardening Collective(External link) are great resources. Sometimes they host plant- or seed-giveaways, plant swaps, and they want to make gardening accessible to all. The Tufts Pollinator Initiative free seed library at 574 Boston Ave in Medford and the “Somerville Plant Exchange (Sales Prohibited)” Facebook group are also good resources. All these groups may be able to help you source plants.
Finally, we do take requests for new street trees. If you would like a new street tree in front of your property, please call 311 or email trees@somervillema.gov.
Thanks, Alison
Share Do you have a list of native pollinators I can plant on my yard? on Facebook Share Do you have a list of native pollinators I can plant on my yard? on Twitter Share Do you have a list of native pollinators I can plant on my yard? on Linkedin Email Do you have a list of native pollinators I can plant on my yard? link

Do you have a list of native pollinators I can plant on my yard?

Christine asked 2 months ago

Hello! Thank you for your question.
Yes, we do! We have a top 10 plant list based on our Somerville-specific research. You can download that here.
We also have just published our full plan! You can download the whole thing here or you can download an excerpt that has planting lists and garden design ideas here. These can be found in the "Documents" tab of this webpage.
I hope that helps and feel free to reach out if you have additional questions: spap@somervillema.gov.
Best, Alison
Share The process/progress of SPAP is fantastic. I am grateful for the city's support and the effort of the committee members. While probably not novel, below are a few thoughts I'd like to share in consideration of "Scope of Work". These are things I think about, so thank you for the opportunity to share them here. 1) Effort be made to consider bloom time and presence of open flowers to coincide with different pollinating insect species so that there is continuity from early spring through late fall. Specifically, there is a greater need to support early emergers as well as bees who live late into the season. 2) That the planting plan include site considerations of sun exposure and moisture retention, (soil also maybe?); shade and partial sun plantings will be a nice addition to the meadow areas. A maintenance plan is also important; inclusion in the plan of how pollinator support spaces will be kept once they are established is needed (i.e., removal of invasives and management of aggressive natives, evaluating the establishment/durability of the plant species) to have the desired abundance and species richness in that space. 3) Optimizing planting method for the plant species being used. Connections between planted areas is important to create an easily navigable pathway for pollinators through the neighborhoods. Planting within a space is also a consideration. Perhaps certain species are best planted in clusters for easy availability to pollinators, or in companion or complementary plantings. Utilization of all available space. 4) Maybe a side effort of this plan is to draw up a brief guidance for residents who want to establish their own pollinator gardens. How can our individual gardens best connect to those planted by the city? What can be planted at home that makes the best use of available space and resources? Thank you so much for everything you are doing! on Facebook Share The process/progress of SPAP is fantastic. I am grateful for the city's support and the effort of the committee members. While probably not novel, below are a few thoughts I'd like to share in consideration of "Scope of Work". These are things I think about, so thank you for the opportunity to share them here. 1) Effort be made to consider bloom time and presence of open flowers to coincide with different pollinating insect species so that there is continuity from early spring through late fall. Specifically, there is a greater need to support early emergers as well as bees who live late into the season. 2) That the planting plan include site considerations of sun exposure and moisture retention, (soil also maybe?); shade and partial sun plantings will be a nice addition to the meadow areas. A maintenance plan is also important; inclusion in the plan of how pollinator support spaces will be kept once they are established is needed (i.e., removal of invasives and management of aggressive natives, evaluating the establishment/durability of the plant species) to have the desired abundance and species richness in that space. 3) Optimizing planting method for the plant species being used. Connections between planted areas is important to create an easily navigable pathway for pollinators through the neighborhoods. Planting within a space is also a consideration. Perhaps certain species are best planted in clusters for easy availability to pollinators, or in companion or complementary plantings. Utilization of all available space. 4) Maybe a side effort of this plan is to draw up a brief guidance for residents who want to establish their own pollinator gardens. How can our individual gardens best connect to those planted by the city? What can be planted at home that makes the best use of available space and resources? Thank you so much for everything you are doing! on Twitter Share The process/progress of SPAP is fantastic. I am grateful for the city's support and the effort of the committee members. While probably not novel, below are a few thoughts I'd like to share in consideration of "Scope of Work". These are things I think about, so thank you for the opportunity to share them here. 1) Effort be made to consider bloom time and presence of open flowers to coincide with different pollinating insect species so that there is continuity from early spring through late fall. Specifically, there is a greater need to support early emergers as well as bees who live late into the season. 2) That the planting plan include site considerations of sun exposure and moisture retention, (soil also maybe?); shade and partial sun plantings will be a nice addition to the meadow areas. A maintenance plan is also important; inclusion in the plan of how pollinator support spaces will be kept once they are established is needed (i.e., removal of invasives and management of aggressive natives, evaluating the establishment/durability of the plant species) to have the desired abundance and species richness in that space. 3) Optimizing planting method for the plant species being used. Connections between planted areas is important to create an easily navigable pathway for pollinators through the neighborhoods. Planting within a space is also a consideration. Perhaps certain species are best planted in clusters for easy availability to pollinators, or in companion or complementary plantings. Utilization of all available space. 4) Maybe a side effort of this plan is to draw up a brief guidance for residents who want to establish their own pollinator gardens. How can our individual gardens best connect to those planted by the city? What can be planted at home that makes the best use of available space and resources? Thank you so much for everything you are doing! on Linkedin Email The process/progress of SPAP is fantastic. I am grateful for the city's support and the effort of the committee members. While probably not novel, below are a few thoughts I'd like to share in consideration of "Scope of Work". These are things I think about, so thank you for the opportunity to share them here. 1) Effort be made to consider bloom time and presence of open flowers to coincide with different pollinating insect species so that there is continuity from early spring through late fall. Specifically, there is a greater need to support early emergers as well as bees who live late into the season. 2) That the planting plan include site considerations of sun exposure and moisture retention, (soil also maybe?); shade and partial sun plantings will be a nice addition to the meadow areas. A maintenance plan is also important; inclusion in the plan of how pollinator support spaces will be kept once they are established is needed (i.e., removal of invasives and management of aggressive natives, evaluating the establishment/durability of the plant species) to have the desired abundance and species richness in that space. 3) Optimizing planting method for the plant species being used. Connections between planted areas is important to create an easily navigable pathway for pollinators through the neighborhoods. Planting within a space is also a consideration. Perhaps certain species are best planted in clusters for easy availability to pollinators, or in companion or complementary plantings. Utilization of all available space. 4) Maybe a side effort of this plan is to draw up a brief guidance for residents who want to establish their own pollinator gardens. How can our individual gardens best connect to those planted by the city? What can be planted at home that makes the best use of available space and resources? Thank you so much for everything you are doing! link

The process/progress of SPAP is fantastic. I am grateful for the city's support and the effort of the committee members. While probably not novel, below are a few thoughts I'd like to share in consideration of "Scope of Work". These are things I think about, so thank you for the opportunity to share them here. 1) Effort be made to consider bloom time and presence of open flowers to coincide with different pollinating insect species so that there is continuity from early spring through late fall. Specifically, there is a greater need to support early emergers as well as bees who live late into the season. 2) That the planting plan include site considerations of sun exposure and moisture retention, (soil also maybe?); shade and partial sun plantings will be a nice addition to the meadow areas. A maintenance plan is also important; inclusion in the plan of how pollinator support spaces will be kept once they are established is needed (i.e., removal of invasives and management of aggressive natives, evaluating the establishment/durability of the plant species) to have the desired abundance and species richness in that space. 3) Optimizing planting method for the plant species being used. Connections between planted areas is important to create an easily navigable pathway for pollinators through the neighborhoods. Planting within a space is also a consideration. Perhaps certain species are best planted in clusters for easy availability to pollinators, or in companion or complementary plantings. Utilization of all available space. 4) Maybe a side effort of this plan is to draw up a brief guidance for residents who want to establish their own pollinator gardens. How can our individual gardens best connect to those planted by the city? What can be planted at home that makes the best use of available space and resources? Thank you so much for everything you are doing!

Jennifer Clifford asked over 1 year ago

Hello and thank you for your thoughtful feedback! I will take these comments and share them with the whole SPAP Advisory Committee. We will take them into account as we finish writing our "Scope of Work" and as we move in the planning phase this fall. Thank you for being involved and please stay in touch. - Alison Maurer, Planner of Ecological Restoration
Share Are the meetings online? I would like to join online but I can' find a link? on Facebook Share Are the meetings online? I would like to join online but I can' find a link? on Twitter Share Are the meetings online? I would like to join online but I can' find a link? on Linkedin Email Are the meetings online? I would like to join online but I can' find a link? link

Are the meetings online? I would like to join online but I can' find a link?

Chris A asked over 1 year ago

Hello! Thank you for your question.
Yes, meetings are online and anyone is welcome to attend. You can find the meeting links under the "Zoom Meeting Link" section on the SomerVoice page. If you are on a smartphone, scroll down past the "Stay Informed" section to find it. On a desktop computer, it will be on the right side of the page. You can also find it by clicking on the meeting date under "Key Dates."