CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The city of Charlotte is planting gardens to support pollinators and prevent habitat loss.

Pollinator gardens were planted at Walter G. Byers School, Oaklawn Language Academy, Eastway Middle School and Phillip O. Berry School of Technology in April to commemorate Earth Month.

What You Need To Know

  • Charlotte planted four pollinator gardens in April

  • The gardens are made up of “nectar and pollen-producing plants that attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators"

  • Arborist Laurie Reid said 75% of the world's food crops depend on pollinators 

“Pollinator gardens are really important,” said Laurie Reid, the city’s arborist. “Throughout the United States, there has been a decrease in pollinating insects. A lot of it is due to pesticide use. Some of it is also due to changing use of lands to development. For us to put these in, we're helping to increase our pollination.”

The city has planted pollinator gardens around Charlotte since 2017. The gardens are made up of “nectar and pollen-producing plants that attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators.” As Charlotte grows, Reid said her team plans to continue planting gardens to support pollinators’ ecosystems.

“Pollination is really important,” Reid said. “Seventy-five percent of the foods we eat rely on pollinators. One of every three bites that you take relies on a pollinator to make that food." 

Reid encourages the public to plant pollinator gardens at their homes. She suggests planting them in the fall or early spring.