HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-10-10 EEC Meeting PacketAgenda
Energy and Environment Commission
City Of Edina, Minnesota
Edina City Hall, Community Room
Thursday, October 10, 2019
7:00 PM
I.Call To Order
II.Roll Call
III.Approval Of Meeting Agenda
IV.Approval Of Meeting Minutes
A.Minutes: Energy and Environment Commission Sept 12, 2019
V.Special Recognitions And Presentations
A.City Turf Conversion Management
VI.Community Comment
During "Community Comment," the Board/Commission will invite residents to share relevant
issues or concerns. Individuals must limit their comments to three minutes. The Chair may limit
the number of speakers on the same issue in the interest of time and topic. Generally speaking,
items that are elsewhere on tonight's agenda may not be addressed during Community Comment.
Individuals should not expect the Chair or Board/Commission Members to respond to their
comments tonight. Instead, the Board/Commission might refer the matter to sta% for
consideration at a future meeting.
VII.Reports/Recommendations
A.Initiative 4: Study and Report on Pollinators Support
VIII.Chair And Member Comments
A.Open Streets Debrief
B.Initiative 5: CAP Presentation to Council
C.2020 Work Plan Session with Council
D.County Landscaping project with Pollinator
IX.Sta3 Comments
A.Roadside turf grass test
B.Green Corp Member
C.Reminder: November meeting on 11/7
D.December meeting - no agenda topics
E.Sustainibility Intern Update
X.Calendar Of Events
A.2019 Initiative Calendar
B.2019 EEC Schedule and Roster List
XI.Adjournment
The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the
public process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing ampli9cation, an
interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861
72 hours in advance of the meeting.
Date: October 10, 2019 Agenda Item #: IV.A.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Minutes
From:Casey Casella, City Management Fellow
Item Activity:
Subject:Minutes: Energy and Environment Commission Sept
12, 2019
Action
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Motion to approve the Sept 12, 2019 Minutes for the Energy and Environment Commission.
INTRODUCTION:
Receive the Energy and Environment Commission Minutes of Sept 12, 2019.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Minutes: EEC Sept 12, 2019
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date:
Minutes
City Of Edina, Minnesota
Energy and Environment Commission
Edina City Hall Community Room
Thursday, Sept 12, 2019, 7:00 PM
I. Call To Order
Chair Jackson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Answering Roll Call were Chair Jackson, Commissioners Horan, Hussian, Manser, Seeley, Lanzas,
Satterlee, Glahn, Martinez
Late: Maynor
Absent: Hoffman
Staff Present: Liaison Brown, City Management Fellow Casella
III. Approval Of Meeting Agenda
Seeley made a motion to approve the September 12, 2019 meeting agenda. Motion seconded by
Lanzas seconded. Motion carried.
IV. Approval Of Meeting Minutes
Manser made a motion to approve the August 8, 2019 minutes. Motion seconded by Seely. Motion carried.
VI. Community Comment
None.
VII. Reports/Recommendation
A. 2020 Work Plan
Commissioners discussed:
• Reviewed the Commission’s work plan survey results
• Work plan items discussed:
o Support HRRC event about climate change
o Organics and recycling re-education event(s)
Clarified to table at existing events
Commissioner Maynor arrived at 7:09 PM
Question on work plan items:
• Connection between pollinators work plan item and Staff Tom Swenson’s Turf Management
Report.
o Pollinators is not on the 2020 work plan
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date:
o Pollinators could be added to the work plan later in the year when 2019 pollinator
initiative is complete and a 2020 action is identified
• What are items the City leadership expects from the Commission?
o Water, recycling and organics, continuing business recognition program
Horan made a motion to send the 2020 work plan to the City Council. Lanzas seconded.
Ayes: Jackson, Horan, Hussian, Manser, Seeley, Lanzas, Satterlee
Nays: Glahn
Motion carried.
B. Initiative #5: Climate Action Plan
Update on the Climate Action Plan report:
o Advisory Communication
o Summary/Cover Letter
Discussion to shorten outline in letter
o Report
Discussion to add the Comprehensive Plan to “Why a climate action plan?”
section
Manser made a motion to send the Advisory Communication and Report, as amended (2 above
notes), on the Climate Action Plan to City Council. Horan seconded.
Ayes: Jackson, Horan, Hussian, Manser, Seeley, Lanzas, Satterlee
Nays: Glahn
Motion carried.
VIII. Correspondence And Petitions
A. Working Group Minutes
• Minutes received from the BEWG Working Group.
IX. Chair And Member Comments
• Chair Jackson & Commissioner Maynor reported about a climate event in Edina. Edina Rep.
Edelson hosts the event on Sept. 23, 7pm, City Hall.
o Commissioner Maynor asked to speak at event on behalf of the Commission at the
event.
Commissioners expressed uncomfortable with Maynor speaking on behalf of
the Commission.
• Commissioner Hussian told members about a grass project that the U of M is doing in
Highlands. It was recommended to get an update on the project next year.
• Commissioner Seeley asked for a sub at the Open Streets event. Chair Jackson volunteered.
o Open streets: Sept. 22, 1-5pm
• Commissioner Martinez gave update on Project Earth.
X. Staff Comments
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date:
• Liaison Brown asked members to read and follow the social media guidelines for boards and
commissions.
• Liaison Brown told the Commission about a Non-profit that advises on Zero Waste hosts
events with Cities as an idea for future work plan item.
• Liaison Brown reported CenterPoint Energy is looking at water heating as ways to create
more energy efficiency. The City’s Utility Billing will participate with Centrepoint Energy
program which will provide handouts in water bills and track estimated savings.
• Management Fellow Casella provided the link to an Agenda: Edina Feature on Business
Recognition
• Staff Liaison Brown reported a Solar Power Hour went well and many signed up at the end of
the event.
o Commissioners asked staff to share more about the Corporative Energy Future
community solar garden with the community.
• Staff Liaison Brown gathered the answers to the questions from the Native Restoration tour
at Braemar Golf Course. Staff used of contractor to plan and plant the native area.
o Chair Jackson shared a conversation with a resident Master Gardener
Staff Liaison Brown will add the resident Master Gardener as a potential
speaker
XII. Adjournment
Motion made by Glahn to adjourn the September 12, 2019 meeting at 8:25 p.m. Motion seconded by Lanzas.
Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Casey Casella
City Management Fellow
Date: October 10, 2019 Agenda Item #: V.A.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Other
From:Tom Swenson, Assistant Director - Parks & Natural
Resources Item Activity:
Subject:City Turf Conversion Management Discussion
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
None.
INTRODUCTION:
Tom will present the City's work on turf conversion, strategic planning, and example work they have been doing.
Date: October 10, 2019 Agenda Item #: VII.A.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Other
From:Michelle Horan, EEC Commissioner
Item Activity:
Subject:Initiative 4: Study and Report on Pollinators Support Discussion
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Commissioner Horan will lead discussion.
INTRODUCTION:
EEC discuss the idea of a pollinator friendly resolution or a pollinator protection strategy as well as supporting
legislation that protects pollinators.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Pollinator Model Resolution
Example resolution: Fridley
Example resolution: Toronto
Pollinator Document June 2019
Pollinator Presentation June 2019
(Model) POLLINATOR PROTECTION RESOLUTION
for city, county, township, school district, agency
Promoting a healthy environment for bees, pollinators, beneficial insects and people too.
WHEREAS: Globally, bees and other pollinators are responsible for at least a third of
the food humans eat and their pollination services also provide food for other animals
including wildlife; and are responsible for the pollination of key crops contributing over
$19 billion worth of services to U.S. agriculture; and
WHEREAS: The Worldwide Integrated Assessment (WIA), a review of 1,121 studies
conducted by the Task Force on Systemic Pesticides, plus the Minnesota Department of
Agriculture’s Special Registration Review of Neonicotinoids, both found that bees and
other pollinators are threatened by exposure to pesticides, in particular systemic
insecticides including neonicotinoids and fipronil; and
WHEREAS: Research shows multiple interacting causes are contributors to the severe
decline of pollinator populations including pathogens, habitat loss, exposure to
pesticides, and synergistic effects of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides; and
WHEREAS: The Task Force on Systemic Pesticides is comprised by 29 independent
scientists commissioned by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
and after four years of analysis of 800 peer reviewed reports (not industry funded) of
systemic pesticides, neonicotinoids and fipronil found clear evidence of harm sufficient
to call on all governments around the world to immediately regulate and restrict the
use of the systemic insecticides, neonicotinoids and fipronil; and
WHEREAS: There is concern that the pesticide industry will continue to develop new
systemic pesticides that might be as dangerous or more dangerous than the current
systemic pesticides; and
WHEREAS: Bees and other pollinators have become weakened due to lack of nutrition
since WWII when mono-cropping and herbicide use became prominent; and
WHEREAS: The Task Force on Systemic Pesticides in their WIA report encourages
farmers and other stewards of the land to replace pesticide use with sustainable
growing techniques such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and organic practices
instead of pesticides; and
WHEREAS: We find these actions to be in the public interest and demonstrates the
city’s commitment to a healthy community environment for people and pollinators.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
•The (county, city, township, school district, agency) promotes healthy environments
including food sources, clean water and habitat for pollinators through existing
programs and new opportunities.
•The City, including its contractors, shall take immediate steps to eliminate the use of
systemic insecticides, including neonicotinoids and fipronil on trees, public property
and parks including the plants and plant products they purchase. The city shall
encourage citizens and businesses to do the same on their property.
•The City will immediately conduct an inventory of all pesticides being used by the city
and its contractors. This inventory will be reviewed and updated with the least toxic
methods as part of the Integrated Pest Management System plan.
•The City shall restore and increase habitat to include native plants with succession
blooming, aiming for pollen and nectar sources throughout pollinator seasons. The city
shall encourage and allow citizens and residents to participate in pollinator programs
and gardening.
•The City shall take immediate steps to learn or improve and implement an Integrated
Pest Management (IPM) plan and sustainable land management practices. IMP is a land
management strategy that emphasizes least possible disruption to ecosystems and
controlling pests with chemical use as a last resort. Practices and principles include:
Inspection and monitoring plant health and pests, forecasting and timing weather, pest
trapping, reasonable thresholds that allow for plant damage and pests, cultural
controls, biological controls, and organic chemical controls. Sustainable land
management embraces: building soil health, conserving biodiversity, restoring native
vegetation, and promoting composting.
•The City shall assign or appoint a person to oversee and encourage actions of this
resolution to include an annual report, public awareness, habitat installation and
communication across departments.
•The City shall publish a yearly report, during the anniversary month of this resolution,
to its citizens and staff regarding the city’s progress during the past year and goals for
the upcoming year.
•The City will support efforts to educate the broader community about the action it has
taken, the importance of creating and maintaining pollinator-friendly habitat and
encourage residents and businesses to use similar pollinator protection practices.
•The City shall transmit copies of this resolution to the Minnesota Department of
Agriculture, The Governor of Minnesota, State Representatives and Senators, U.S.
Representatives and Senators, U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency.
Contributors: Humming for Bees, Pesticide Action Network, Pollinate Minnesota, Pollinator Friendly Alliance 4/2017.
RESOLUTIONNO. 2018 - 12
ARESOLUTIONDESIGNATINGFRIDLEYAS “POLLINATORFRIENDLY”
WHEREAS, theFridleyCityCouncilrecognizesthatbeesandotherpollinatorsareintegraltoa
healthyandresilientecosystemandawidediversityofessentialfoods, includingfruits, nuts, and
vegetables; and
WHEREAS, pollinatorpopulationsareindeclineduetohabitatloss, landmaintenanceactivities,
pesticideuse, pathogensandparasites; and
WHEREAS, alternativelandmanagementpracticestomowedturfgrassareavailablethat
dramaticallyincreasepollinatorforage; and
WHERAS, nativeplantingsthatprovidehighqualityforageforpollinatorsalsoprovideco-
benefitsrelatedtowaterqualitytreatment, carbonsequestration, andsoilstability; and
WHEREAS, applicationofcertainpesticidessuchasneonicotinoidsandsystemicherbicides
mayhaveunintendedconsequencesagainstbeneficialinsectssuchasbeesandotherpollinators;
and
WHERAS, theCityCouncil findsitisinthepublicinterestandconsistentwithadoptedCity
policyfortheCitytodemonstrateitscommitmenttoasafeandhealthycommunityenvironment
forpeopleandpollinators.
NOW, THEREFORE, BEITRESOLVEDbytheCityCounciloftheCityofFridley:
TheCityisherebydeclaredaPollinator-FriendlyCommunity.
TheCitypromoteshealthyenvironmentsforpollinatorsincludingnutritionalfoodssources,
cleanwaterandhabitatthroughexistingprogramsandnewopportunities.
TheCitywillpursueplantingmorepollinatorforageinareasofcityparksthatarecurrently
mowedturfgrass.
TheCitywilldesignallnewandrenovatedfacilitieswithaconsiderationofaddingnatural
areaswithbeneficialpollinator-friendlyplantswherepossible.
TheCityshalllimitandminimizeuseofsystemicpesticides, withemphasisonavoiding
useofpesticidesfromtheneonicotinoidfamily, onCitypropertytotheextentpracticable.
TheCityshallundertakebesteffortstopurchaseplantsthathavenotbeenpre-treatedwith
pesticides.
ResolutionNo. 2018-12 Page2
TheCityshallundertakebesteffortstoutilizeitspollinatorplantingsaseducationalspaces
andcommunicatetoCityresidents, partnerorganizations, andbusinessestheimportanceof
creatingandmaintainingapollinator-friendlyhabitat.
TheCityshallmaintainalistofnativeandnaturalizedpollinator-friendly plantsfor
referencebythecommunityandencourageprivatedevelopersandotherlandownersto
incorporatepollinator-friendlyplantingsintorequiredlandscaping.
CitystaffwillprovidetheEnvironmentalQualityandEnergyCommissionwithanannual
reportonstepstakentocreateamorePollinator-FriendlyFridley.
PASSEDANDADOPTEDBYTHECITYCOUNCILOFTHECITYOFFRIDLEYTHISTH26DAYOFMARCH, 2018.
SCOTTJ. LUND - MAYOR
ATTEST:
DEBRAA. SKOGEN - CITYCLERK
POLLINATORPROTECTION
STRATEGY
TORONTO
Toronto's Pollinator Protection Strategy was created to support the vision of our city being home to
diverse pollinator communities that contribute to resilient ecosystems and enhance urban biodiversity.
Created with the help of expert stakeholders and concerned residents, the strategy recognizes
that the City and the community are already doing many things to support pollinators, and that
more can be done. It builds on and expands current activities, and creates opportunities to establish
new initiatives, partnerships and collaborations.
This document includes:
• an overview of Toronto's bees and butterflies;
• the guiding principles that shaped the strategy; and
• a series of actions that the City and community can take to help protect and sustain healthy pollinator
populations in Toronto.
Conserving and properly managing Toronto's diverse pollinator community is a key component of a
sustainable, resilient, and biodiverse city. Toronto's Pollinator Protection Strategy will be a component of
the City's broader Biodiversity Strategy.
Learn more and access community resources at: livegreentoronto.ca
Cover image: Bicoloured Agapostemon (Agapostemon virescens)April 2018
3
VISION
Toronto is home to diverse pollinator communities that contribute
to resilient ecosystems and enhance urban biodiversity.
Compton Tortoiseshell Butterfly (Nymphalis vaualbum)
4
TORONTO'S POLLINATORS
Toronto is home to a wide range of pollinators, including
over 360 species of bees and 112 species of butterflies.
These insects provide important ecosystem services
such as pollination, are a source of food for birds, and
contribute to the biodiversity in our city.
WHAT IS POLLINATION?
Pollination is the act of transferring pollen from the male
part of a plant to the female part of a plant, allowing plants
to produce seeds, fruits, and new plants. Most plants
cannot pollinate themselves, they attract pollinators
through scent, nectar, and bright colours.
WHAT ARE POLLINATORS?
Animal pollinators include bees, butterflies, moths, wasps,
flies, beetles, and birds. Bees are the most specialized and
efficient insect pollinators. Bees collect pollen and nectar
from flowers to feed themselves and their larvae.
WHAT IS POLLINATOR HABITAT?
Pollinators need food and places to nest, reproduce
and overwinter. Pollinator habitat provides foraging
resources (pollen and nectar from flowers), nesting and
overwintering sites (bare patches of soil, hollowed stems,
leaf litter), and larval host plants (such as milkweed).
Pollinators need continuous access to flowers from spring
to fall. Native plants that are locally-grown and pesticide-
free provide pollinators with ideal forage habitat.
Bumble Bee (Bombus sp.)
WHY IS THERE CONCERN ABOUT POLLINATORS?
Pollinators are under increasing
stress due to habitat loss,
invasive species, diseases,
pesticides and climate change.
Studies have shown that some
species are in drastic decline.
5
6
Peter Hallett
Toronto's bees
Native bees and managed bees can be
found in Toronto. An average backyard
garden may contain over 50 species of
bees, with some nesting and foraging
there, and others visiting for pollen
and nectar.
NATIVE BEES
Toronto's native bee community consists of over
360 species. Bee species vary tremendously
in colour, size and shape, sometimes making it
difficult to distinguish what is a bee and what
isn’t. For example, the Bicoloured Agapostemon
(pictured here), commonly seen in Toronto, has
a metallic green head and thorax.
Most native bees are solitary and nest in the
ground or pre-existing cavities. Some, such as
carpenter bees, excavate tunnels in wood.
Native bees typically overwinter in pithy stems,
rotting logs or underground burrows.
Bicoloured Agapostemon (A. virescens)
Ground nesting Bicoloured Agapostemon (A. virescens)
7
BEES AT RISK
Several species of native bees are at risk of
extinction. Toronto's at-risk species include:
• Rusty-patched Bumble Bee (Endangered),
• Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee (Endangered),
• Yellow-banded Bumble Bee (Special Concern)
7
Rusty-patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis)
Did you know?
Native bees don't make honey, as they
overwinter in a dormant state and do not
require food stores. Honey bees make and
store honey for overwintering needs.
Native (or wild)
pollinators exist
naturally within the
environment and
have coevolved with
native flowering
plants for over
100 million years.
8
MANAGED BEES
Managed bees are not wild – they require humans to
provide for some of their needs.
The European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) is the most common managed bee in Ontario, but it is not
native to Canada. It is an introduced species brought to North America by European settlers.
Managed honey bees live in colonies (or hives), are black and yellow (or amber), and are known
to sting. Honey bees produce honey and pollinate a broad range of Ontario crops making them
economically valuable in the agricultural sector. The Ontario Bees Act is the legislation that
regulates honey bees and beekeeping in Ontario.
Canadian Bees European Honey Bees
800+ species One species
Native Non-native
Wild Managed
Don't produce honey Make honey
Come in a wide range of colours Black and yellow/amber
Nest in the ground or cavities Live in hives
Are primarily solitary Are social and live in colonies
In most cases don’t sting Sting
8
9
European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)
Did you know?
The European Honey Bee is not
native to Canada. It is an introduced
species originally brought to North
America from Europe.
IMPACT OF NON-NATIVE BEES ON NATIVE BEES
Recent studies suggest that in urban centres where habitat is limited, the introduction of
non-native bees (such as honey bees), may negatively impact native pollinators, due to competition
for resources and introduction of pests/disease.
Honey bee colonies are massive and each hive can contain up to 50,000 bees. Unlike native bees,
honey bees need to make and store honey to sustain the colony overwinter. This requires them
to collect additional resources, which means that a single honey bee colony can potentially out-
compete thousands of native bees for food.
Studies have also shown that managed honey bees may introduce parasites and diseases to
native bees.
BEES IN THE NEWS
Despite the significant media attention on the declining health of honey
bees, evidence suggests that native bee species are even more threatened
than honey bees, and when these species are lost, they cannot be replaced.
Honey bees can be re-established when beekeepers experience a loss.
Toronto's butterflies
There are 112 species of
butterflies recorded in Toronto.
Butterflies are beautiful
and an essential part of our
interconnected ecosystem.
Caterpillars are immature
butterflies and they are an
important source of food for
birds. In order to nurture our
butterflies, we must first
nurture our caterpillars.
MONARCH BUTTERFLIES
The Monarch butterfly is probably the world’s
most familiar butterfly, best known for the
incredible migration of the eastern North
American population. Individuals fly 3200
kilometres from breeding grounds in Toronto
to overwinter in central Mexico.
Monarchs return in the spring to their larval host
plants (milkweed), which do not grow in their
overwintering sites.
Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on
milkweed plants. Adult butterflies can be
found in more diverse habitats where they feed
on nectar from a variety of flowers.
10
11
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
WHY ARE BUTTERFLIES IMPORTANT?
While butterflies are not the most efficient
pollinators, they are an important part of our
ecosystem. Caterpillars are a primary source of
food for other animals, such as birds. While most
people are not fond of caterpillars, they need to be
nurtured for their roles in the natural ecosystem.
MIGRANTS AND RESIDENT BUTTERFLIES
A few species of Toronto butterflies migrate
south for the winter (such as Monarchs) while the
majority remain in the city and overwinter as eggs,
chrysalides, larvae or adults. These species require
particular habitat such as leaf piles or sheltered
areas to successfully overwinter.
BUTTERFLIES AT RISK
The Monarch butterfly is classified as Special
Concern provincially and endangered federally,
as populations have declined drastically over
the last decade. The Mottled Duskywing and the
West Virginia White are also species at risk. All
eight swallowtail species in Toronto are specially
protected. At least one species, the Karner Blue
Butterfly is locally extinct.
Did you know?
The larvae (caterpillars) of each
species of butterfly, can only feed on
specific plant species, called larval
host plants. For Monarchs, this plant
is milkweed. In 2014, the Province
of Ontario removed milkweed from
its noxious weed list.
12
Pollinators are under increasing stress and populations are in decline.
Trends suggest that pollinator declines are a result of the interacting
impacts of several stressors resulting from human activities.
LOCAL THREATS TO POLLINATORS
1. FORAGE HABITAT LOSS
When wildflower habitat is reduced, the
availability of pollen and nectar for pollinators
is also reduced. Bees and butterflies need
continuous access to flowers during their foraging
periods (spring to fall). Locally-grown, pesticide
free, native plants provide ideal forage habitat.
2. LOSS OF LARVAL HOST PLANTS
The larvae (caterpillars) of each species of
butterfly can only feed on specific plants, known
as larval host plants. For Monarch butterflies,
this plant is milkweed. Planting native milkweed,
such as common milkweed, swamp milkweed
and orange milkweed, will help to support
Monarch populations.
3. NESTING HABITAT LOSS
Most native bees are solitary and nest in the
ground or cavities. Converting a lawn or garden
to concrete, gravel, mulch or artificial turf makes
it impossible for bees to nest. Nesting sites can
be provided by leaving bare patches
of sandy soil, dry stems, and raspberry stalks.
4. OVERWINTERING HABITAT LOSS
Some native bees overwinter in cavities,
tunnels, dry stems or wood. Bundles of
raspberry stalks and other stems that are put
out for yard waste collection in spring will often
contain overwintering bees. Overwintering sites
should be left undisturbed until the bees vacate,
usually in spring or early summer.
5. INTRODUCED AND INVASIVE SPECIES
Non-native bees may negatively impact native
bees. The European Honey Bee and Wool Carder
Bee may make it more difficult for native bees
to find adequate food, and the Giant Resin Bee
may displace nesting native bees. Dog strangling
vine, an invasive plant, may negatively affect
Monarch populations as it is closely related to
milkweed. Female Monarchs lay eggs on it, but
the larvae cannot survive.
13
Did you know? Toronto passed a
Pesticide By-law in 2003, banning the
use of cosmetic pesticides. Ontario
followed with a provincial ban in 2009.
13
Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
6. DISEASES AND PESTS
Diseases and pests that impact honey
bees include the Varroa mite, American
foulbrood, and small hive beetle. Recently,
concerns have been raised about the spread
of pathogens from managed honey bees to
native bees.
7. PESTICIDES
Insecticides are the type of pesticide that
pose the greatest threat to pollinators.
In recent years, there has been attention
on neonicotinoids, a class of systemic
insecticides. While the intention of
insecticides is to control unwanted insect
pests, they can harm beneficial insects such
as bees and butterflies. Many plants and
seeds sold in garden centres are treated with
pesticides, which can transfer into the nectar
and pollen of the plant.
8. CLIMATE CHANGE AND WEATHER
Earlier spring thaws can shift the bloom times
of flowering plants, which can cause gaps in the
food supply. Extreme weather events can affect
insect populations already stressed by climate
change and other factors.
What are neonicotinoids?
• Neonicotinoids are a class of systemic
insecticides that affect the central
nervous system of insects, resulting in
paralysis and death.
• Neonicotinoids have been widely used
for agricultural seed treatment in
Ontario since the mid 1990's.
• In 2015, Ontario became the first
jurisdiction in North America to
legislate restrictions on neonicotinoid
treated corn and soybean seeds, under
the Pesticides Act.
• The City of Toronto does not
use neonicotinoids in any of its
greenhouses, parklands or gardens.
14
90% of all wild
flowering plants
depend on
pollination
1 in every 3 bites
of food we eat
relies on bees
for pollination
7
14 Red-belted Bumble Bee (Bombus ternarius)
15
Conserving and
properly managing
Toronto's diverse
pollinator community
is a key component of
a sustainable,
resilient, and
biodiverse city.
WHY DOES TORONTO NEED A POLLINATOR PROTECTION STRATEGY?
It is critical to ecosystem functioning to maintain healthy
populations of bees and butterflies.
As pollinators, bees provide an invaluable service to the
ecosystem. Without bees, much of the food we eat and the
natural landscapes we enjoy would not exist.
Butterflies are also an essential component of our
ecosystem. Caterpillars, the larvae of butterflies, have
important roles as natural herbivores and food for birds.
The decline in some species of pollinators is alarming. Once a
native species is lost from an area, it cannot be replaced. The
actions in this Strategy are intended to ensure that species
that exist in our city can be sustained.
Habitat creation is key to supporting Toronto's pollinators
One of the biggest threats facing all pollinators is habitat loss
and fragmentation. Pollinators require high quality habitat to
thrive in an urban environment - they need food and places to
nest, reproduce and overwinter.
Fortunately there are many ways the City and community can
help to create, enhance and preserve habitat for pollinators.
The simple act of planting native plants, trees and shrubs will
have positive benefits for all pollinators in Toronto.
Some tips for creating pollinator-friendly habitat can be found
at the back of this booklet.
16
CITY OF TORONTO SUPPORT FOR POLLINATORS
BEES OF TORONTO
A GUIDE TO THEIR REMARKABLE WORLD
• City of Toronto Biodiversity Series •
BEES OF TORONTO, BUTTERFLIES
OF TORONTO – THE BOOKS
Available at local libraries and online, these two
books are a part of the City's Biodiversity Series.
These are made-in-Toronto guides to bees and
butterflies in the city. Bees of Toronto, the first
book on urban native and non-native bees in the
world, was the result of a partnership between
the City, York University and volunteers.
TORONTO, THE FIRST BEE CITY IN
CANADA
In April 2016, City Council showed its commitment
to raising awareness of the importance of
pollinators by adopting a resolution designating
Toronto a Bee City. With that decision, Toronto
became the first Bee City in Canada. Participation
in the Bee City program raises awareness of
pollinator protection activities and encourages
municipalities to take action.
The City of Toronto is already doing many things to support pollinators, and more can be done.
Several of the initiatives already underway in our city are highlighted as success stories in this
document. This Strategy builds upon and expands current activities, and creates opportunities to
establish new initiatives, partnerships and collaborations.
17
WINNEROALA AWARD FOR SERVICE TO THE ENVIRONMENT
TORONTO'S POLLINATOR PROTECTION STRATEGY
Toronto's Pollinator Protection Strategy recognizes that:
• Toronto is home to a wide range of pollinators,
including bees, wasps, flies, butterflies,
moths, beetles, and birds.
• Threats to Toronto's pollinators include forage
habitat loss, loss of larval host plants, nesting
habitat loss, overwintering habitat loss,
pesticides, introduced and invasive species,
diseases/pests, and climate change.
• Toronto's diverse bee community consists
of over 360 species of native bees and one
species of managed bee, the European Honey
Bee, which is not native to North America.
Honey bees are managed by beekeepers,
governed by the Ontario Bees Act, and they can
be re-established when beekeepers experience
a loss.
• Evidence suggests that native bee species are
more threatened than honey bees and may
be negatively impacted by urban beekeeping
activities due to resource competition and the
spread of parasites and disease.
• The habitat creation efforts presented in
this strategy will support native bees and
butterflies, and will also be beneficial to all
pollinators, including honey bees.
18
Guiding Principles:
a. To prioritize actions that support
and sustain native pollinator
biodiversity in Toronto, recognizing
that native bee species, for
example, are more threatened than
non-native honey bees, that they
are ecologically important, and that
once they are lost they cannot be
replaced.
b. To create, enhance and protect
habitat in natural and urbanized
areas – using native plants, trees
and shrubs as much as possible
– recognizing that habitat loss is
one of the greatest threats facing
pollinators and that additional
habitat will benefit all pollinators,
both native and non-native.
c. To engage and support the
community in taking action to help
sustain Toronto's native pollinators.
Caterpillar (larva) - Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
19
POLLINATOR PROTECTION
STRATEGY: VISION, PRIORITIES
AND ACTIONS
Toronto's vision is to be home to diverse pollinator
communities that contribute to resilient ecosystems and
enhance urban biodiversity.
To achieve this vision, Toronto's Pollinator Protection
Strategy identifies six priorities:
1) Create and enhance habitat
2) Design and connect green spaces
3) Partner and build relationships
4) Invest and incentivize
5) Educate and train
6) Celebrate and recognize achievements
For each priority, a series of actions have been
developed that will help to achieve this vision. These
actions will support native bees and butterflies, and will
also be beneficial to all pollinators, including non-native
honey bees. Habitat creation in particular will have a
positive impact on all pollinators, and is the foundation
of the Strategy.
Adult Black Swallowtail
(Papilio polyxenes)
20
1. CREATE AND ENHANCE HABITAT
Pollinators require high quality habitat
to thrive in an urban environment. High
quality habitat is any area that provides
foraging resources (pollen and nectar from
flowers), nesting and overwintering sites,
and larval host plants (such as milkweed)
that support butterflies.
Many of the places to create and enhance
pollinator habitat already exist on the ground
and on our rooftops. Our urban environment
with patches of parkland, ravines, urban
gardens and green roofs, can provide an
abundance of floral resources and nesting
sites for a wide range of pollinators.
20
Actions:
1. Plant more pollinator-friendly native plants,
trees, and shrubs in City parks and facilities,
with the goal of creating pollinator habitat in
every park, where feasible.
2. Work with members of City Council to
identify at least one City-managed site in each
ward that can be enhanced for pollinators
and serve as a model garden, and establish
a pollinator demonstration garden at Toronto
City Hall.
21
3. Create "pollinator patches" at urban
agriculture sites managed by the City by
incorporating pollinator-friendly native plants
into community gardens and allotment
gardens.
4. Work with Solid Waste Management
Services to identify City-owned closed landfill
sites that may have the potential to become
high quality pollinator habitat.
5. Review the City's landscaping practices,
including mowing and mulching activities,
with the goal to preserve pollinator habitat.
Success story
The Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat (HBBH) -
This City of Toronto led ecological restoration
project provides critical habitat for a variety
of native butterflies and other pollinators.
Located along the shore of Lake Ontario in
Toronto’s west end, HBBH incorporates a
diversity of native flowers, shrubs, trees,
grasses, sedges and a variety of physical
features known to support butterflies
throughout their life cycles. The goal of
HBBH is to establish a self-sustaining native
plant community that will support a variety
of butterfly species, while engaging and
educating park users about the value of urban
wildlife habitat.
21
22
2. DESIGN AND CONNECT GREEN SPACES
As cities grow, habitat can be lost or
fragmented into small patches, making
it difficult for some species to access all
of the resources they need to survive. By
re-connecting green spaces, a continuous
corridor of habitat can be created that allows
pollinators to move freely from area to area
and take advantage of the resources each
patch has to offer.
On a city-wide scale, parks, ravines, green
roofs, and infrastructure corridors present
the greatest opportunity for the conservation
of pollinators.
On a smaller scale, individual pollinator
plantings such as urban gardens, parkettes,
laneways, and planter boxes, can be linked
to create a neighbourhood-scale pollinator
corridor.
Actions:
6. Identify opportunities to improve connections
between existing habitat, and encourage the
creation of "pollinator pathways" to foster
corridor creation across the city.
7. Continue to support the work of the Toronto
and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to
revitalize hydro corridor space in Toronto and
transform it into high functioning meadow
habitat that supports pollinators, by contributing
staff time and exploring funding requirements
needed to advance these efforts.
8. Enhance areas of the City Hall podium green
roof with pollinator-friendly habitat, where
possible, accompanied by educational signage,
to demonstrate the role green roofs play in
pollinator habitat and corridor creation.
22
23
Success story
The Scarborough Centre Butterfly Trail - This
TRCA initiative with funding from the W. Garfield
Weston Foundation, revitalized approximately 40
hectares of hydro corridor space. By converting
the area from barren mown grass into a meadow
that provides high functioning pollinator habitat
to complement the multi-use trail for pedestrians,
the initiative transformed an underutilized space
into an important part of the natural system in
Toronto. Through education and stewardship
programs, community members are able to
connect with nature and take active ownership
of the space to maintain it for future generations
to enjoy. This corridor represents an important
pathway of connected greenspace, which allows
pollinators to forage in a larger area.
9. Engage with developers, property owners and
landscape architects to encourage the creation
of pollinator-friendly landscapes and promote
biodiverse, pollinator-friendly green roofs, by
updating information in the City's Guidelines for
Biodiverse Green Roofs and by offering support
through the City's existing Eco-Roof Incentive
Program.
10. Work with relevant City divisions to ensure
native, pollinator-friendly plants are considered
in the implementation of green infrastructure
projects undertaken by the City, and included
in City guidelines such as the Green Streets
Technical Guidelines, Complete Street
Guidelines, the Toronto Green Standard,
the Wet Weather Flow Master Plan and Policy,
Greening Surface Parking Lots, Streetscape
Manual and other relevant policies.
24
3. PARTNER AND BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
24
It is vital to pollinator protection that the
City continues to build relationships, consult,
and engage with stakeholders. There are
groups in Toronto already working on
pollinator protection initiatives and the City
of Toronto can support and encourage their
actions. Many of the actions proposed in this
document cannot be achieved without the
support and guidance of partners.
Actions:
11. Engage with the Toronto Association of
Business Improvement Areas (TABIA), property
and rental associations, condominium boards,
faith groups and other large property owners
to encourage the creation of pollinator habitat
through native plantings.
12. Partner with Toronto Master Gardeners,
Landscape Ontario and horticultural and
landscape school programs to provide advice
and inspiration to property owners in Toronto
interested in creating pollinator habitat through
on-site consultations and information sessions.
13. Continue to work with local growers and
nurseries to encourage them to provide native,
pesticide-free plant material and seeds for
pollinator habitat, and explore ways to make
these items easier for consumers to identify in
stores.
14. Support university and college-led research
and monitoring projects, and citizen science
initiatives that support the goals of this Strategy,
and provide data to track and measure the success
of implementing the actions in the Strategy.
25
15. Convene an Aboriginal Committee/
Working Group to provide ongoing feedback
on the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge,
practices, and approaches into the
implementation of the Strategy.
16. Continue to coordinate with the Province of
Ontario on the Pollinator Health Action Plan, and
the Provincial Apiarist on the Ontario Bees Act.
Success story
Parkland Naturalization Program -
The City works with community groups and
funding partners to restore degraded natural
landscapes and establish new natural areas to
create forest, wetland, and meadow habitats.
More than 60,000 native trees and shrubs have
been planted, as well as more than 50,000
wildflowers, herbaceous and aquatic plants.
25
2626
4. INVEST AND INCENTIVIZE
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
Investing in pollinator protection
initiatives and incentivizing actions that
create pollinator habitat will inspire
and motivate people to act. Incentives
play a key role in changing behaviour,
encouraging new approaches, and
supporting community interest in
pollinator protection.
City purchasing practices can be
designed to support healthy pollinator
populations. The purchasing power
of the City can be utilized to shift the
market toward growing and distributing
pesticide-free native plants that are
beneficial to pollinators.
Actions:
17. Develop and seek funding sources for an incentive
program that provides modest financial support to
encourage community-led pollinator habitat creation
or enhancement, and pollinator education initiatives.
18. Explore the creation of a City procurement policy
to purchase more pollinator-friendly native plants,
and to select plants and seeds that have not been
treated with systemic pesticides (e.g. neonicotinoids)
for use in City-managed spaces, and incorporate
these guidelines into tender documents for all
City divisions.
19. Inspire residents to create pollinator habitat
by offering resources such as pollinator-friendly
gardening tips, plant lists, seeds, and recognition
signage (e.g. Pollinators Are Welcome Here!)
through Community Environment Days and
Live Green Toronto outreach events.
20. Update the City's Street Tree brochure to include
information on how trees benefit pollinators, and
identify which trees are pollinator-friendly.
21. Seek sponsorships, grant and external funding
opportunities to support the actions presented
in this Strategy.
27
Success story
Live Green Toronto Grants - The grants funded 168 community-led greening projects from 2008 to
2015. The grant recipients included 40 garden projects that provide important habitat for Toronto's
pollinators. One grant recipient, the Dallington Pollinators Community Garden, also won the RBC
Blue Water Award and a City of Toronto Garden Award. Another grant recipient, the Franklin's
Children's Garden Pollination Station, on Toronto Island, welcomed close to 40,000 visitors in the
summer of 2016.
28
5. EDUCATE AND TRAIN
28
Strengthening education initiatives will
leverage the interest in protecting pollinators
that already exists in the community.
The City has the opportunity to promote
practices that are beneficial to pollinators,
and identify those that can be harmful.
For example, well-meaning individuals who
want to help pollinators may pursue hobby
beekeeping, when planting a pollinator
garden is an easier and more effective way
to support them.
It's also important to recognize the role of
City staff, and the importance of delivering
and expanding the Horticulture Program
of Excellence, that provides education and
training to City staff.
Actions:
22. Develop pollinator-friendly gardening
practices tips and share lists of pollinator-friendly
native plants, trees and shrubs suited to the
Toronto area.
23. Work with Live Green Toronto to develop and
deliver outreach on pollinator stewardship, and
look for opportunities to incorporate Indigenous
cultural content into educational initiatives.
24. Engage with Toronto School Boards to
encourage schools to create pollinator habitat,
with the goal of creating a teaching garden at
every school, and investigate support for ongoing
garden maintenance.
29
25. Continue and expand training for City
staff on pollinator protection practices
through the Horticulture Program of
Excellence and identify pollinator-friendly
native plants on the plant list available to
City horticulture staff.
26. Collaborate with the Ontario Beekeepers’
Association, Toronto-based beekeeping
groups, and the Provincial Apiarist to
facilitate informed beekeeping in Toronto by
creating best practices, promoting training
for novice beekeepers, and educating
potential beekeepers about habitat creation
as a more effective way to help pollinators.
Success story
Tickle Bees and City Staff - In the spring of 2015,
thousands of gentle, ground-nesting native
bees emerged with the warm weather in a City
park. Being in close proximity to a playground,
members of the public voiced their concern to
the Park supervisor. City staff, having recently
completed training on pollinators as part of the
Horticulture Program of Excellence, identified the
bees as Mining bees, nicknamed the "Tickle Bee"
by school children, as they don’t sting and are
very gentle.
Staff installed educational signage about the
"Tickle Bees" and the vital role they play in
pollination. The community was thrilled to host
these important pollinators and often stopped to
observe their activity. Educating City staff about
this important pollinator led to this educational
opportunity for members of this community.
29
Ground Nesting Solitary Bee
30
Orange Sulphur Butterfly (Colias eurytheme)
6. CELEBRATE AND RECOGNIZE ACHIEVEMENTS
There are many ways to celebrate and
recognize achievements in pollinator
protection. National Pollinator Week is a well-
established annual celebration that raises
awareness and celebrates actions taken to
protect pollinators.
The City can recognize the efforts of residents,
businesses, community organizations, and
institutions by celebrating milestones and
honouring the contributions of members of
our community. Public signage, awards, and
certification programs will also raise the profile
of pollinators and assist in educational efforts
that encourage further action.
Actions:
27. Celebrate and promote National Pollinator
Week and Toronto's status as the first Bee
City in Canada by undertaking at least one
public education and/or habitat creation or
restoration activity each year.
28. Work with relevant partners such as
Canadian Wildlife Federation, Monarch
Watch, Pollinator Partnership, World Wildlife
Fund, Carolinian Canada, and others to
promote existing certification programs,
mapping tools and other resources that
guide and recognize Toronto property owners
in creating pollinator habitat.
29. Add a pollinator-friendly garden category
to the City's existing Garden Awards
program, and inspire others by offering in
person and virtual tours of award-winning
gardens.
30. Investigate the opportunity to
incorporate pollinator protection initiatives
into the City's existing Urban Design Awards.
3131
Success story
Celebrating National Pollinator Week - In June 2016, an event was organized to celebrate National
Pollinator Week and Toronto's status as the first Bee City in Canada. A mural of a green metallic
sweat bee was unveiled at Bloor Street and Howland Avenue and a proclamation declaring
"Pollinator Week" in Toronto was announced. The mural was the result of a partnership between
Burt's Bees and the City's StreetARToronto and Live Green Toronto programs. Painted by Toronto
artist Nick Sweetman, the mural is about 65' long by 35' high and serves as a stunning reminder of
the importance of pollinators in our urban environment.
3232
3333
TORONTO’S OFFICIAL BEE: BICOLOURED AGAPOSTEMON
(Agapostemon Virescens)
The metallic green sweat bee - Bicoloured Agapostemon - is an ideal choice as Toronto's Official Bee
for several reasons:
• It is easy to identify. No other insect in our area has a brilliant bright green head and thorax
combined with a black abdomen. The males are also bright green at the front but their abdomen is
yellow and black striped.
• It is a common bee. The females can easily be found in early summer mornings foraging on thistles
and other flowers. The males can be observed flying slowly around flowers looking for females.
• It is welcoming. Females form communal nests in the ground. Their social set up is similar to a
condominium with one entrance that is shared by all occupants, but each has its own separate
unit. Up to two dozen females may share a single nest entrance, but each individual builds its own
burrow. One bee usually guards the entrance, with only her head visible from above ground. There
is strength in numbers, which is why these bees allow other Bicoloured Agapostemon individuals
(complete strangers) into their nests to increase entrance surveillance. Most bees will defend their
nests against others of their own species, but our official bee is much more tolerant of newcomers,
and this makes it a particularly appropriate choice for Toronto's Official Bee.
34
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR POLLINATOR ADVISORY GROUP:
The City acknowledges the important role of academic community, subject matter experts, and
concerned non-profit groups in providing guidance to the City on pollinator protection. Our Advisory
Group includes conservation biologists, academic researchers, pollinator and native plant experts,
green roof researchers, beekeepers, and community based organizations.
City staff are fortunate to be able to tap into the expertise of this group and receive evidence-
based research and advice on how to approach pollinator protection. We thank the members of our
Advisory Group for donating their time, expertise and enthusiasm to this effort. This group has been
instrumental in guiding the development of the actions presented in this document.
City of Toronto Project Team:
Annemarie Baynton, Environment and Energy
Patricia Landry, Parks, Forestry and Recreation
Megan MacLean, Environment and Energy
Kelly Snow, City Planning
Pollinator Advisory Group:
Antonia Guidotti, Royal Ontario Museum
Brock Harpur, York University
Charlotte de Keyzer, University of Toronto
Clement Kent, York University and Master Gardener
Dave Barr, Toronto Field Naturalists
Gillian Leitch, Landscape Designer and Beekeeper
Jode Roberts, David Suzuki Foundation
Jodi Lastman, Park People
Kathleen Law, Pollinator Partnership
Liat Margolis, University of Toronto
Lorraine Johnson, Native Plant Expert
Oliver Couto, Toronto Beekeepers Collective
Sarah Hedges, Ontario Nature
Scott MacIvor, University of Toronto
Sheila Colla, York University
Vicki Wojcik, Pollinator Partnership
Photo Credits
Amro Zayed: cover, pages 4 & 5, 8 (right), 9 & 32
Bob Yukich: pages 3, 10 & 11, 13, 18 & 19 (inset photo),
26, 32 & 33
Stephen Humphrey: page 6 (top) & 32
Melanie Lawton: page 6 (bottom) & 33
Susan Carpenter: page 7
Sheila Dumesh: page 8 (left) & 32
Sheila Colla: page 14 & 15
Glenn Richardson: page 18 & 19 (large photo)
Matt Forsythe: page 20 & 21
Toronto and Region Conservation: 23 & 24
Deb Chute: page 28
Malcolm Geast: page 29
Nick Sweetman: page 31
TIPS TO CREATE A POLLINATOR-FRIENDLY GARDEN
Plant native: Choose native plants, trees and shrubs
rich in pollen and nectar. Locally grown and pesticide
free are best.
Mass plantings: Planting multiples of the same
plant together in large groupings makes it easier for
pollinators to find and collect pollen.
Plant single bloom varieties: The petals of double or
triple bloom varieties can block access to pollen and
nectar.
Provide continuous bloom: Pollinators need a
continuous source of pollen and nectar so choose a
variety of plants that will bloom from spring to fall.
Plant host plants: Butterflies lay their eggs on
specific plants. Monarch butterflies, for example, will
only lay their eggs on milkweed, the sole food source
for their larva.
Provide water: A bird bath or shallow dish of water
with half submerged rocks will help bees and
butterflies quench their thirst.
Provide sun: Butterflies like to bask in the sun, so
place a few flat rocks in sunny, sheltered locations.
Keep it natural: Converting a lawn or garden to
concrete, gravel, mulch or artificial turf reduces
valuable food and nesting sites.
Bare ground: Many native bees build nests in soil, so
leave some bare patches and limit your use of mulch.
Leave dead stems: Some bees hibernate and lay
eggs in hollow stems. If you do cut them, leave the
bottom 8 inches. Bundle the stems and place them in
your garden.
Leave the leaves: Leave the leaves where they fall or
rake them into your garden to provide overwintering
habitat for butterflies.
Prune and deadhead: Remove dead flower heads
to encourage new growth and a longer flowering
season.
Reduce mowing: To avoid disturbing ground nesting
bees, mow your lawn less often and set the blade at
the highest level possible.
Avoid pesticides: Avoid plants/seeds treated with
systemic insecticides, such as neonicotinoids. And
don't spray pesticides. Toronto's Pesticide Bylaw
bans the cosmetic use of pesticides.
Find more tips and resources
at livegreentoronto.ca
Learn more and get involved:
Live Green Toronto
livegreentoronto.ca
Bumble Bee Watch
bumblebeewatch.org
Canadian Wildlife Federation
cwf-fcf.org
Carolinian Canada & World Wildlife Fund - In The Zone
caroliniancanada.ca/zone
David Suzuki Foundation's Butterflyway Project
butterflyway.davidsuzuki.org
Evergreen's Native Plant Database
nativeplants.evergreen.ca
Monarch Butterflies and Butterfly Watching
ebutterfly.ca
North American Native Plant Society
nanps.org
Ontario Invasive Plant Council
ontarioinvasiveplants.ca
Ontario Nature
ontarionature.org
Park People
parkpeople.ca
Pollinator Partnership Canada
pollinator.org/Canada
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
trca.ca
Toronto Master Gardeners
torontomastergardeners.ca
Wildlife Preservation Canada
wildlifepreservation.ca
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
xerces.org
Protecting Pollinators
Morgan Mellum
Michelle Horan
6/2019
What are pollinators?
Pollinators are animals and insects that fertilize plants by moving pollen from the male
flower structures to the female structure of plants within the same species. These
pollinators include honey bees, native bees, butterflies, moths, flies, ants, bats,
hummingbirds, lizards and beetles.
Why are pollinators important?
“Pollinators contribute substantially to the food production systems of the United States,
to the economic vitality of the agricultural sector, and to the health of our environment.” 1
Pollinators are necessary for the majority of our food crop production. Without
pollinators fertilizing plants, the variety and nutrition needed in our diets to remain
healthy, would be severely limited.
Pollinators are necessary for a healthy ecosystem. 80-95% of plants found in nature
are dependent on pollinators for their survival as a species. These plants form the diets
of many insects and animals, which are in turn food for other insects and animals. In
order to maintain the diversity and health of these ecosystems healthy populations of
pollinators need to be maintained. 2
According to the 2017 Minnesota State Agency Pollinator Report, “Pollinators provide
enormous ecological, economic and aesthetic benefits. They are critical to maintaining
the healthy natural ecosystems that Minnesotans value.”
“Pollinators also create stable environments. They pollinate plants that stabilize the soil
and prevent erosion. These plants can buffer waterways, store carbon, and provide
habitat for other wildlife. Plus, flowering landscapes are beautiful. Without pollinators,
our environment would look very different.” 3
There are between 235 billion and 577 billion US dollars of global food production per
year that rely on bees and other pollinators 4
Why do Pollinators Need Protection?
Pollinator populations are declining.
The decline of honey bees has been well publicized with reports of some beekeepers
losing between 30-90% of their colonies. In the winter of 2015-2016 Minnesota
beekeepers reported losing nearly 36 percent of all colonies, a 15% winter loss is
considered acceptable.
Pollinator-Friendly Best Management Practices for Federal Lands, 1
[https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/BMPs/documents/
PollinatorFriendlyBMPsFederalLandsDRAFT05152015.pdf], May 11, 2015
What are pollinators and why do we need them? [https://ento.psu.edu/pollinators/resources-and-2
outreach/what-are-pollinators-and-why-do-we-need-them]
Minnesota’s Pollinators, MN DNR, [https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/pollinators/index.html]3
Pollinators Vital to Our Food Supply Under Threat,
4
[https://www.ipbes.net/article/press-release-pollinators-vital-our-food-supply-under-threat]
However, native bees are also seeing a decline in population nationwide. A report put
out by the Center for Biological Diversity has concluded that “52 percent of (native bee)
species with a determinable status are declining and 24 percent are threatened with
extinction.” 5
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service “Of the hundred or so crops that make
up most of the world’s food supply, only 15 percent are pollinated by domestic bees,
while at least 80 percent are pollinated by wild bees and other wildlife.”
Minnesota is also home to over 400 species of native bees.
Other pollinators in decline are the Monarch butterfly. Monarch butterfly populations
have seen an 80% decrease since the mid 1990s.
Some of the reasons attributed to these losses are pesticides, parasites, poor nutrition,
loss of habitat and monoculture agriculture. 6
All species of hummingbird are currently listed on the endangered species list. 7
How to Protect Pollinators
There are three main components to pollinator protection
1.Protect and Restore Pollinator Foraging, Nesting and Egg-laying Habitat
●Foraging. Pollinators need a consistent food source. Flowering plants,
which provide protein and carbohydrates, need to be available throughout
the growing season.
●Choose a variety of plants, especially natives, that provide pollen, and
nectar during the spring, summer and fall. Try to include at least three
different flowers in bloom during each season. A diverse selection of flower
color, size, shape, and height, as well as higher density will play a role in
the attractiveness to pollinators.
●Convert more turf to flowering habitat. Turf is a “food desert” for
pollinators. However, if you have a higher tolerance to weeds, the
flowering “weeds” in turf provide a good source of food for pollinators.
●Create continuous areas of pollinator habitat. Habitat fragmentation has
played a role in the decline of pollinators. Some pollinators do not roam
more than 200 yards or less between nest and foraging sites.
●Create policies/practices that increase pollinator habitat on roadsides.
Roadsides are not in danger of redevelopment, and can provide habitats
for pollinators, and add connectivity to fragmented sections.
Pollinators in Peril [https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/native_pollinators/pdfs/5
Pollinators_in_Peril.pdf
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,[https://www.fws.gov/pollinators/pollinatorpages/6
aboutpollinators.html]
Hummingbirds, [https://defenders.org/hummingbirds/basic-facts]7
●Egg-laying sites. Good foraging habitat will also provide egg-laying sites
for pollinators. Grow more plants that are specific to egg-laying, such as
milkweed for Monarch Butterflies. Milkweed is the only plant that Monarch
butterflies will lay their eggs on, and it is the only plant that a monarch
caterpillar will eat. Monarchs prefer to lay their eggs on small patches of
milkweed versus large areas.
●Nesting. Most native bees require areas that are undisturbed for nesting and
reproduction. Unlike honey bees, who are social and live in hives, most
native bees are solitary, and are ground or cavity nesters. In fact, 70% of
Minnesota native bees nest underground in abandon burrows or dig tunnels.
30% of native bee species are cavity nesters, and will use pre-existing
cracks in concrete, or abandoned insect tunnels in dead wood as a nest.
Some will use hollow plant stems or dried stands of grass. Ways to preserve
and promote nesting sites for bees:
●Leave undisturbed areas undisturbed. Most native bees need areas that
are untilled or unmulched, especially near or adjacent to pollinator habitat.
●Maintain grasses where rodents can nest and create future nests for bees.
●Preserve downed logs, leaf litter, flower stems and hollow grasses.
●Maintain bare spots so bees can directly access the soil surface to dig
nests.
●Mowing. Another important practice that will affect pollinator habitat is
mowing.
●Avoid mowing an entire area at once. Mow one-third to one-half at
a time, rotating areas.
●Mow a path through an area instead of mowing the entire plot. This
can create a walkway through a “meadow” for observing pollinator
and wildlife activity.
●Raise mowing blades to 3.5-4 inches to allow the flowers of the
”weeds” to survive and provide food for pollinators.
●Mow roadsides as needed to maintain sight lines and safety.
2. Decrease the use of Pesticides and herbicides. The effect of heavy doses of
pesticides is lethal for pollinators, and lesser doses can affect reproduction,
navigation, foraging, memory, and mobility. Herbicides can kill the very plants that
pollinators need for food and egg-laying.
●Avoid neonicotinoids, or plant materials that have been treated with
neonicotinoids. Neonicotinoids are systemic pesticides. When absorbed by the
plant they circulate throughout its vascular system, making the entire plant toxic.
●Amend purchasing policy to require plants be free of neonicotinoids.
●Spot treat instead of broadcast applications whenever possible.
●Avoid pesticide applications when winds are higher.
●Spray when pollinators are less active - early morning or evening.
●Implement an Integrated Pest Management program.
3. Education. It is important that the City and Edina residents, understand the value of
pollinators and the need to protect their populations. Outreach needs to go hand in
hand with policy. There are many resources to help educate the public about the plight
of pollinators and the actions that can be taken to protect them. Some of these are
listed in the Source section below.
What the City of Edina is Currently Doing to Protect Pollinators
On February 24, 2016, The Edina City Council approved a Turf Management Plan,
which, along with Integrated Pest Management Practices (IPM ), guides the City on how
public turf is managed. The term turf refers to any area that the city treats, mows or
irrigates. This includes sports fields, golf courses, parks, boulevards, medians, cracks
in sidewalks or other hard surfaces controlled by the City. The stated goals of the Turf
Management Plan are as follows:
1. Identify existing pests, such as weeds, and their current percentage make up of
existing ground cover.
2. Identify stressed areas of turf and evaluate IPM based options for treatment of the
problem (the goal of an IPM is to maintain healthy turf grasses while controlling the
percentage of weeds within a predetermined tolerance level without the use of
herbicides.
3. Establish a classification of Edina’s public-owned park lands and open space and
establish a weed tolerance level to each property.
4. Establish reasonable investments needed and desired to assure best results utilizing
IPM based principles in turf management.
5. Routinely monitor and analyze success of IPM based turf management program in
writing:
●Identify the pest (weed) and the size (density) of its infestation.
●Keep records of effectiveness of treatment on solving each turf problem;
irrigation, fertilization, mowing, aeration, dethaching, and, as a last resort, use of
least toxic chemical.
●Keep records of citizen complaints and comments related to turf management
program.
6. Develop a list of acceptable management strategies for eradication of weeds when
weed dominance exceeds predetermined tolerance levels, such as:
●Predetermine a list of herbicides that are effective against the targeted pest
(weed) but is least disruptive to the environment, and human and animal health.
●Use methods of selective spot treatments instead of broadcast treatments
whenever possible.
●Post signage before, during and after applying herbicides. Signs should carry the
following information: 1) date of application; 2) any advisory required by State
law.
●Apply herbicides only as a last resort.
●Consult a professional turf restoration professional before determining that
herbicides are necessary. It is recommended to continue this practice for a
minimum of two years.
●Making sure that herbicides are applied by only licensed herbicide applicators.
7. Designate a responsible individual (or individuals) for making decisions to carry out
and evaluate the turf management plan.
8. Educate full-time maintenance staff as to best turf management practices using
integrated pest management approaches to pest control. In other words, become self-
reliant to avoid long-term reliance on consulting expertise.
9. Promote and educate the public as to responsible effective private lawn care
practices. Encourage the public to implement integrated pest management practices on
their private properties.
Some of the strategies to accomplish the above goals have already been enacted. The
City has already established a weed tolerance classification for city owned property. All
herbicide applicators are licensed, and the city has hired Tom Swenson as Assistant
Director of Parks and Natural Resources.
Along with the Turf Management Plan, the City has begun a survey of all the property
they manage. This will help them be more strategic in identifying the areas that
continually need to be mowed and how often, the areas they can stop mowing and the
areas that can be turned into native gardens. The changes made, as a result, will
reduce carbon emissions and mowing creep, create less risk to equipment operators,
produce mowing efficiency, and allow for focused time on premier fields, and active use
areas.
Braemar Golf Course is a good example of this transition from highly managed to
native. Large portions of the golf course, not actively used for golfing, have been
converted to native plant gardens. To ensure these transitions have the best possible
outcomes and desired results, the City partners with various third parties that are
experts in designing, restoring and managing native plant communities, wildlife ecology,
engineering, and landscape architecture.
State Actions for Pollinator Protection
There is support for pollinator protection at the state level.
On August 2016 Governor Dayton issued Executive Order 16-07, directing the state to
take immediate action to reduce the decline of pollinator health in the state.
This led to the creation of the Interagency Pollinator Protection Team. Their first report
to the Environmental Quality Board was in 2017. This report catalogs existing agency
initiatives and programs and provides various options for pollinator policy, budget and
research. It is also a living document (https://www.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2018/other/
180838.pdf).
The “Recommendations for Pollinator Protection in Minnesota, REPORT TO THE
GOVERNOR” , https://www.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2018/other/181289.pdf , helped the
Governor’s office, state agencies and the legislature prioritize and create policy and
positive changes for pollinators in the state of Minnesota.
There are other state organizations supporting pollinator protections actions. The
Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), has established a
Pollinator Initiative https://bwsr.state.mn.us/practices/pollinator/index.html, which
includes a Pollinator Toolbox https://bwsr.state.mn.us/pollinator-toolbox, and a
Pollinator Plan https://bwsr.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/
2019-01/2019%20Revised%20Pollinator%20Plan%2012-26-18.pdf . These explain
why it is important to protect pollinators and their habitats, provides resources and
guidance to other conservation organizations, and establishes future actions to help
protect and restore pollinator habitat.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has also published the “Best
Management Practices for Pollinators and Their Habitat”. https://
www.mda.state.mn.us/pesticide-fertilizer/best-management-practices-pollinators-and-
their-habitat.
The Minnesota DNR has created a Best Management Practices and Habitat
Restoration Guidelines for DNR managed lands (https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/
natural_resources/npc/2014_draft_pollinator_bmp_guidelines.pdf).
2019 has seen a record number of legislation being proposed for the protection of
pollinators. Many as a result from the Governor’s Committee on Pollinator Protection
(GCPP) recommendations. Most were absorbed into the SF2314 HF2209 Environment
Omnibus Bill. The specific bills and their fate after the 2019 session are listed in the
Resource section below.
Actions Cities Can Take
1. Pollinator Friendly Resolutions
Thirty-eight Minnesota municipalities have passed pollinator friendly resolutions,
including Austin, Duluth, Eden Prairie, Minneapolis, Shorewood, St. Louis Park, St.
Paul, and Still Water. Both Ramsey and Washington County, as well as a few school
districts, have also passed pollinator friendly resolutions. Pollinate Minnesota is an
education and advocacy organization for pollinators and has worked with various cities
to help them pass resolutions that pledge to protect pollinators .They have created a
tool kit [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5499e7fce4b0ca516ac4d941/t/
5706fd798a65e2783abaaee4/1460075899145/
Pollinator+Friendly+Resolutions+Rubric+March16.pdf]
]on best language for a pollinator friendly resolution as well as a model resolution for
cities to use to create their own resolutions, [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/
5499e7fce4b0ca516ac4d941/t/5904f323bf629a577a90bed1/1493496611942/
MODEL+resolution++4_2017+.pdf]
2. Pollinator Protection Strategy
Another tactic is a “protection strategy”, which is what the City of Toronto has
established. It begins with a vision statement which is supported by guiding principles,
priorities and actions to reach their goals. https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/
2018/05/9676-A1802734_pollinator-protection-strategy-booklet.pdf
3. Support state legislation that Protects Pollinators
4. Implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM)program
An IPM is, according to the EPA is “is an effective and environmentally sensitive
approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices.
IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and
their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available
pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means,
and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.”
Resources
Sample Resolution
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5499e7fce4b0ca516ac4d941/t/
5904f323bf629a577a90bed1/1493496611942/MODEL+resolution++4_2017+.pdf
Resolution Tool Kit
[https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5499e7fce4b0ca516ac4d941/t/
5706fd798a65e2783abaaee4/1460075899145/
Pollinator+Friendly+Resolutions+Rubric+March16.pdf]
Toronto’s Pollinator Protection Strategy
https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/9676-A1802734_pollinator-
protection-strategy-booklet.pdf
Minnesota State Legislation
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59fcf40ab1ffb6ee9911ad2a/t/
5c90de696e9a7f1b8a383987/1552997995018/
Minnesota+legislation+for+pollinators+2019.pdf
Outcomes of Bills at end of session noted in bold type, as prepared by Chris
Cowan of the Pollinator Action Network:
1. Restricting Neonics to Licensed Applicators: This proposal limits the sale and
use of neonics for cosmetic purposes. Residential products pose considerable hazards
for pollinators because of their permissive labeling, with some approved for use at rates
up to 120 times higher than levels approved on farm fields.4 This proposal protects
urban waterways from neonic contamination and the habitat of the endangered rusty
patched bumble bee, which largely covers the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
2. Banning Neonics in Wildlife Management Areas HF 721/SF 941: While the
Department of Natural Resources currently prohibits the use of neonicotinoid
insecticides (neonics) in Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) across the state, this bill
guarantees that WMAs remain a safe haven for pollinators well into the future. This
bipartisan bill is a practical way to preserve healthy pollinator forage for generations to
come. This was not included in the final SF2314 HF2209 House Environment
Omnibus Bill
3. Providing Assistance to Farmers Using Neonic- Free Seeds: This program offers
financial assistance to farmers to plant corn and soybean seed not treated with neonics.
These treatments are widely used but provide little to no yield benefit for corn and
soybeans, especially in Minnesota’s climate. Still, transitioning seed supply can be
logistically and financially challenging for many farmers. This program helps interested
farmers make the switch.
4. Restoring Local Control Over Pesticides HF 212/ SF 1157, HF 1255: Since 1987,
Minnesota has preempted localities from passing their own pesticide control ordinances.
State policies should be a floor, not a ceiling—and communities that decide to go above
and beyond should not be stopped from doing so. Two bills currently address this issue.
HF 212 restores local control to Minnesota’s four largest cities, while HF 1255 extends
local control to all cities in Minnesota. No language included in the Omnibus bill.
5. “Lawn to Legumes” Cost Share Program HF 776/ SF 1276: This bill establishes
cost share grants for homeowners, cities, counties, and public schools to replace lawns
with pollinator-friendly forbs, legumes, and native vegetation. $900 one time funding
from Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
6. Creating a Pollinator Protection Account
HF 1252: This bill funds programs, research, and outreach for pollinators through an
increased pesticide registration fee—paid by the pesticide producers—on products
listed by the EPA as harmful to bees. (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/
59fcf40ab1ffb6ee9911ad2a/t/5c90de696e9a7f1b8a383987/1552997995018/
Minnesota+legislation+for+pollinators+2019.pdf) — Agriculture committee in both
bodies and did not receive a hearing, so did not move this session.
7. Designates the endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee as Minnesota's state
bee. Agreement on Rusty Patched Bumble Bee as state bee, but no enforcement
provisions to protect endangered species.
Educational materials
Pollinator Toolbox - Community Outreach
https://bwsr.state.mn.us/pollinator-toolbox-community-outreach
Bee Lawn,
https://www.beelab.umn.edu/sites/beelab.umn.edu/files/floweringlawninfoenrtflogo.pdf
Best Management Practices for Minnesota Yards and Gardens.
https://www.mda.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/inline-files/pollinatoryardbmps.pdf
Selecting Plants
https://bwsr.state.mn.us/pollinator-toolbox-selecting-plants-and-seed-mixes
Rusty Patch Bumble Bee Plant Guide
https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/rpbb/pdf/MidwestPlantGuideRPBB.pdf
Bring Back the Pollinator Campaign
www.bringbackthepollinators.org
Nests for Native Bees
https://xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/
nests_for_native_bees_fact_sheet_xerces_society.pdf
Xerxes Society Facts Sheets https://xerces.org/fact-sheets/
Sources
http://www.ncsl.org/research/environment-and-natural-resources/pollinator-health.aspx
https://ento.psu.edu/pollinators/resources-and-outreach/what-are-pollinators-and-why-do-we-need-
them
https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/BMPs/documents/
PollinatorFriendlyBMPsFederalLandsDRAFT05152015.pdf
https://ento.psu.edu/pollinators/resources-and-outreach/what-are-pollinators-and-why-do-we-need-
them
https://www.eqb.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/documents/
2017%20State%20Agency%20Pollinator%20Report_%20accessible.pdf
https://ento.psu.edu/pollinators/resources-and-outreach/what-are-pollinators-and-why-do-we-need-
them
https://www.eqb.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/documents/
2017%20State%20Agency%20Pollinator%20Report_%20accessible.pdf
https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/native_pollinators/pdfs/Pollinators_in_Peril.pdf
https://www.mda.state.mn.us/pesticide-fertilizer/best-management-practices-pollinators-and-their-
habitat
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/pollinators/index.html
http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/practices/pollinator/pollinator-faqs.pdf
https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/natural_resources/npc/2014_draft_pollinator_bmp_guidelines.pdf
www.bringbackthepollinators.org
https://www.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2018/other/181289.pdf
https://bwsr.state.mn.us/pollinator-toolbox-selecting-plants-and-seed-mixes
https://bwsr.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/
2019-01/2019%20Revised%20Pollinator%20Plan%2012-26-18.pdf
https://www.mda.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/inline-files/pollinatoryardbmps.pdf
https://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/MichiganPollinatorBiologyandHabitat.pdf
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mcvmagazine/issues/2015/jul-aug/minnesota-native-bee-survey.html
http://www.hummingforbees.org/index_files/Humming%20for%20Bees%2002-24-2014.pdf
https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/9676-A1802734_pollinator-protection-strategy-
booklet.pdf
https://earthsky.org/earth/monarch-butterfly-egg-laying-farmlands-vs-roadsides
https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/BMPs/documents/
PollinatorFriendlyBMPsFederalLandsDRAFT05152015.pdf
https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/BMPs/documents/
PollinatorFriendlyBMPsFederalLandsDRAFT05152015.pdf
https://1bps6437gg8c169i0y1drtgz-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/
FOE_LocalPolicyToolkit_2.pdf
https://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/roadside-guidelines_xerces-society1.pdf
https://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/MichiganPollinatorBiologyandHabitat.pdf
https://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/MichiganPollinatorBiologyandHabitat.pdf
https://1bps6437gg8c169i0y1drtgz-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/
FOE_LocalPolicyToolkit_2.pdf
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59fcf40ab1ffb6ee9911ad2a/t/
5c90de696e9a7f1b8a383987/1552997995018/Minnesota+legislation+for+pollinators+2019.pdf
http://www.pollinatemn.org/pollinator-friendly-twin-cities
https://bwsr.state.mn.us/practices/pollinator/index.html
https://bwsr.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/
2019-01/2019%20Revised%20Pollinator%20Plan%2012-26-18.pdf
https://www.mda.state.mn.us/pesticide-fertilizer/best-management-practices-pollinators-and-their-
habitat
https://www.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2018/other/181289.pdf
https://www.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2018/other/180838.pdf
https://xerces.org/monarchs/
Pollinator Protection
What are Pollinators
Pollinators are animals and insects
that fertilize plants by moving pollen
from the male flower structure to the
female flower structure.
They include include honey bees,
native bees, butterflies, moths, flies,
ants, bats, hummingbirds, lizards and
beetles.
Why are Pollinators
Important
Pollinators are necessary for
lots of things:
The Economy
- There is between 235 billion
and 577 billion US dollars of
global food production per
year that rely on bees and
other pollinators
Food Production
- 75% of food produced needs
pollinators
Why are Pollinators
Important
Healthy Ecosystems
- 85-90% of plants found in
nature depend on pollinators
- These plants make up the diet
of insects and animals
- Plants also buffer waterways,
store carbon and provide
habitat
Landscape Beauty
- Pollinators pollinate beautiful
flowering plants
Why Do They Need
Protecting?
Pollinator populations are declining
- Beekeepers report losing between 30-90% of their
colonies
- During the winter of 2015-16, Minnesota beekeepers
reported losing 36% of all colonies
- A 15% loss is acceptable
- In Canada, one beekeeping operation lost 37 million
bees in one month in 2013
- 24% of bee species are threatened with extinction
- Monarch butterfly populations have declined 80% since
the 1990s
- All species of hummingbird are currently listed on the
endangered species list
Ways to Protect Pollinators
Habitat, Reduce Pesticides, Education
HABITAT
●Create a diversity of bloom
○variety of pollen providing plants, especially natives
○at least three species within each blooming period
●Convert more turf to flowering habitat
●Higher weed tolerance
●Create policies/practices that increase pollinator habitat
on roadsides
●Create continuous areas of pollinator habitat
●Protect nest and egg-laying sites
○Leave undisturbed areas undisturbed
■grasses where rodents can nest
■areas near or adjacent to pollinator habitat
○Preserve downed logs, leaf litter, flower stems and
hollow grasses whenever possible
○Maintain bare spots, which can provide bees direct
access to soil surface to dig nest
●Grow more plants that are specific to egg laying, such
as milkweed for Monarch Butterflies
●Mowing practices
○Avoid mowing an entire area at once
○Raise mowing blades to 3.5-4 inches to allow
flowering”weeds” to sustain pollinators
Ways to Protect Pollinators
(continued)
MINIMIZE PESTICIDE USE
●Avoid neonicotinoids
● Avoid plant materials that have been treated
with neonicotinoids
● Spot treat over broadcast applications
whenever possible
● Avoid pesticide applications when winds are
low
● Spray when pollinators are less active - early
morning or evening
● Implement an Integrated Pest Management
program
EDUCATION
What is Edina Currently
Doing to Protect Pollinators
●On February 24, 2016, The Edina City Council
approved a Turf Management Plan, which, along
with Integrated Pest Management Practices (IPM )
●Currently surveying all managed City turf
○ Be strategic and Identify the areas that:
■ Continually need to be mowed, and how often
■ No longer need mowing
■ Can be turned into native gardens
○ Results:
■ reduce carbon emissions
■ less risk to equipment operators
■ produce mowing efficiency
■ allow for focused time on premier fields, and
active use areas.
●Breamar Golf Course
State Initiatives for Pollinator
Protection
On August 2016 Governor Dayton issued Executive Order 16-
07, directing the state to take immediate action to reduce the
decline of pollinator health in the state.
● Interagency Pollinator Protection Team
● 2017 Annual Minnesota State Agency Pollinator Report
● “Recommendations for Pollinator Protection in Minnesota, REPORT TO THE
GOVERNOR”
● Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources
○ Pollinator Initiative
○ Pollinator Plan
● Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s “Best Management Practices for
Pollinators and Their Habitat”
● Pollinator Protection Legislation
Further Action Cities
Can Take
●Pass Pollinator Friendly Resolution
○ Thirty eight Minnesota municipalities have passed pollinator
friendly resolutions
○ School districts
○ Sample resolutions and tool kits
●Create Pollinator Protection Strategies, City of Toronto
○ Vision statement
○ Supporting guiding principles, priorities, and goals
●Implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program
●Support legislation the helps protect pollinators
●Education
Date: October 10, 2019 Agenda Item #: VIII.D.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Other
From:Lauren Satterlee, Commissioner
Item Activity:
Subject:County Landscaping project with Pollinator Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
None.
INTRODUCTION:
The County landscaping project that Commissioner Satterlee referenced in the September, 2019 meeting is
piloting use of biochar to sequester carbon. (It's actually Hiawatha Avenue.) Here's the link to the full newsletter.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Copy of Newsletter
10/9/2019 Green Notes September: Funding available for natural resources projects and extending a thanks to all of our volunteers
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNHENNE/bulletins/262dfa7 1/1
Making Hiawatha Avenue more pollinator
friendly with biochar and bee lawns
Installation of a pollinator-friendly landscape that will require less
maintenance than conventional turf grass is underway on Hiawatha
Avenue in Minneapolis. As part of ongoing efforts to improve the
landscape along the Hiawatha corridor, Hennepin County is working
in collaboration with the City of Minneapolis on a pilot project that
involves establishing a bee lawn in the median between 42nd Street
and 46th Street.
The project began with the excavation of some of the existing soils in the median to create shallow
drainage swales that will capture and infiltrate surface water. A mixture of compost and biochar were
then incorporated to add nutrients to the soil and loosen the compacted soil to improve water
infiltration.
Compost is a nutrient-rich soil additive created from the controlled decomposition of yard waste, food
scraps, and other organic materials. Biochar is a carbon-rich charcoal created by superheating wood
or other biomass in a low-oxygen kiln. Biochar is gaining popularity as a soil additive and a potential
way to sequester carbon.
After the soil was amended, a bee lawn seed mixture of specialized
perennial grasses and flowering plants was spread. Once established,
the bee lawn will provide an attractive food source for pollinators
throughout the growing season. Over the next two years, the
effectiveness of the soil improvements and bee lawn planting will be
monitored to determine if this approach could be used in other locations
in Minneapolis and throughout Hennepin County.
This project was partially funded through the Minnesota Department of Transportation Community
Roadside Landscape Partnership Grant Program.
For more information, contact Robb Luckow at robert.luckow@hennepin.us.
Date: October 10, 2019 Agenda Item #: IX.A.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
From:Tara Brown, Sustainability Manager
Item Activity:
Subject:Roadside turf grass test
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
None.
INTRODUCTION:
The roadside turf grass test that Commissioner Hussain saw in Highlands is being managed by Dom
Christensen. He is a U of M graduate student conducting the research and he is well-qualified to speak more
about the topic with the Energy Environment Commission. You can learn more about our roadside turf research
here on our turfgrass website
Date: October 10, 2019 Agenda Item #: X.A.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Other
From:Casey Casella, City Management Fellow
Item Activity:
Subject:2019 Initiative Calendar Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
INTRODUCTION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
2019 Initiative Calendar
2019 EEC Work Plan Timeline and Event Calendar
Other Items:
• Climate Adaptation – MetCouncil and MPCA can present work they are doing in Q4 2019 or in
2020
• Green Building Policy
Events
Items of Focus
Presentations
Initiative 1: Organics Initiative 2: Business Recognition Program Initiative 3: Energy Benchmarking Policy Initiative 4: Pollinator Resolution Initiative 5: Climate Action Plan Cmsr
Lead MS MH CJ MH LS
MAR
- EEC meeting (3/14)
- Benchmarking
Stakeholder meetings
(3/26)
- Better Together
site (MJ)
APR
- Benchmarking
Stakeholder meetings
(4/10)
- EEC meeting (4/11)
- Enviro Commission
Conf (4/13)
- City Council Work
Session (4/16)
- All Chair Annual
Meeting (4/30)
- City Council
Work Session
prep
- Benchmarking
MAY - EEC meeting (5/9) - Fourth of July
Prep
- Annual Water
Resources Report To
Council
JUNE - EEC meeting (6/13)
JULY - EEC meeting (7/11)
Fourth of July Parade - Sustainability
Intern
Report
to
EEC
AUG - EEC meeting (8/8)
- Work plan
discussion
- Strategy offsite
Report
to EEC
SEP
- EEC meeting (9/12)
- Work Plan due
- Open Streets
- Work Plan
approval
OCT
- EEC meeting (10/10)
-Chair present Work
Plan to Council
- Mow to
Natural Habitat
Tom Swenson
NOV - EEC meeting (11/7)
Review May
Term
Opportunities
for Student
- Energy
Efficiency in City
Facilities
- Met Council
Presentation
DEC - EEC meeting (12/12)
Green shaded area denotes staff availability
Date: October 10, 2019 Agenda Item #: X.B.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Other
From:Casey Casella, City Management Fellow
Item Activity:
Subject:2019 EEC Schedule and Roster List Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
INTRODUCTION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
2019 EEC Meeting and Roster List
2019 Meetings and Events
Day Date Event Time Location
Thurs Jan 10 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Thurs Feb 14 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Mon Mar 11 Open House for Comp Plan 6:30 pm Public Works
Thurs Mar 14 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Thurs April 11 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Mon April 15 Volunteer Recognition 5:00 pm Braemar Golf Course
Tues April 16 Work Session w/ City Council 5:30 pm Community Room
Tues April 30 BC Member Annual Reception 6:00 pm Braemar Golf Course
Thurs May 9 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Thurs June 13 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Thurs July 11 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Thurs Aug 8 Optional Tour of Braemar Golf 6:30 pm Braemar Golf Course
Thurs August 8 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Braemar Golf Course –
Harry Cooper Room
Thurs Sept 12 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Thurs Oct 10 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Thurs Nov 7* Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Thurs Dec 12 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Attendance at Regular Meetings and Rescheduled Regular Meetings are counted towards attendance policy.
*Note: November meeting is the first Thursday in November
Chair and Vice Chair specific meetings
Tues April 30 Chair and Vice Chair Annual Meeting 5:00 pm Braemar Golf Course
Tues Oct 1 2020 Work Plan Review w/ Council (Chair only) 5:30 pm Community Room
Roster
Name Email
Glahn, Bill billglahn@aol.com
Horan, Michelle mhoran00@gmail.com
Hussian, Paul pahussian@hotmail.com
Jackson, Carolyn
(Chair) bjandcj@aol.com
Lanzas, Bayardo blanzas@artaxstudio.com
Manser, Richard
richardmanser@icloud.com
Martinez, Ana anam22696@isd273.org
Maynor, Chloe chloem20475@isd273.org
Satterlee, Lauren (Vice Chair) lauren.mpls.mn@gmail.com
Seeley, Melissa msee10@me.com
Brown, Tara (Liaison) tbrown@edinamn.gov
Casella, Casey (City Fellow) ccasella@edinamn.gov
Bike Rack Ideas
• Increase street sweeping, water quality improvements, and conservation actions
• Education and outreach events
• Enhanced tree ordinance
• City owned building energy efficiency
• Partnering with other cities on resident outreach and congregation outreach