Hello and welcome to the AFNHA Pollinator Initiative! We are excited to embark on our newest mission to improve collaboration surrounding conservation efforts that benefit native pollinators in the Appalachian Forest region.
This initiative was created with the goal of bringing together all of the fantastic stakeholders contributing to pollinator wellbeing in the Appalachian forest region. There are a variety of people and organizations involved in projects that either directly or indirectly support native pollinators, and the AFNHA wants to provide a space for connection and collaboration around pollinators and their habitat. There is an abundance of expertise and knowledge in West Virginia, and we hope to give everyone access to that information via the Pollinator Initiative.
Currently, projects in the area range from thousands of acres of mine land restoration to square meter pollinator gardens outside of homes or business offices. All of this habitat work is important, as pollinators are vital to our lives in a myriad of ways: they are crucial for many plant species survival and to keep the ecosystems they inhabit healthy. Being able to connect those already doing work to improve pollinator habitat with people interested in pollinator health benefits everyone involved: governmental agencies, citizens and pollinators.
This mission will be accomplished through the following goals:
Increase awareness of pollinator habitat improvement efforts in large-scale and small-scale restoration projects, and provide resources and support for those interested in embarking on their own pollinator habitat projects
Assist governmental agencies in their efforts to educate the public on their restoration work by improving awareness of projects in the Appalachian forest region that directly benefit pollinators
Provide information and access to biochar for use in pollinator gardens, thereby benefiting carbon sequestration efforts, native plants (and therefore pollinators), and landowners
We are so excited for you to join us on our journey to bring organizations and people together to affect change for pollinators throughout the Appalachian forest area.
To get started on learning about pollinators, their habitat and how you can help, visit some of the fantastic resources on the Pollinator Initiative main page.
Author: Dayla Woller
