Seeds available to help pollinators

The Conservation Districts of Sanders County are offering free pollinator plot seed to support pollinator habitat in your own backyard. Not only will this seed mix provide beautiful flowers and other native plant species, it will also increase pollinator habitat in Sanders County.

Pollinators are very busy creatures, but even amid this hustle and bustle, they are providing vital ecosystem services to plants and humans alike. They have a large economic benefit to the agricultural industry, since pollination is not possible without them.

If you are interested in growing food for pollinators, FREE seed mix is available through both the Eastern Sanders County Conservation District and the Green Mountain Conservation District as a part of the Sanders County Pollinator Initiative.

This mix is specially selected for Western Montana and includes flowers of all shapes and sizes. It is best planted in the early spring or late fall. To prepare you for the spring planting season, the area Conservation Districts, along with assistance from partner organizations, will be having seed handout events:

May 11: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hot Springs Farmer’s Market/Mother’s Day Market, Hot Springs City Park

May 18: 2-4 p.m., Heron Food & Garden Co-op, Heron Community Center Main Building

May 21: 10 a.m. - noon, Green Mountain Conservation District, Trout Creek; 2-4 p.m., Pilgrim Creek Park, Noxon

May 22: Noon-2 p.m., Fairgrounds/Riverside Parking lot, Plains; 3:30-5:30 p.m., Limberlost Brewing Company, Thompson Falls

Through the Sanders County Pollinator Initiative and the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Pollinator Grant Program, Conservation Districts can connect landowners with support for developing a pollinator garden as well as implementing other conservation practices, such as improving streamside vegetation or installing riparian fencing. Contact your local Conservation District to learn more!

Eastern Sanders County Conservation District, Plains, (406) 830-8687, [email protected].

Green Mountain Conservation District, Trout Creek, (406) 827-4833, [email protected].