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Questions and Answers: 2025

Question: Hello! I'm a passionate nature enthusiast from southwestern Connecticut. I'm trying to set up a native pollinator garden in my …

  • Question

    Hello! I'm a passionate nature enthusiast from southwestern Connecticut. I'm trying to set up a native pollinator garden in my backyard this year, and while researching which plants to include, I started to wonder if I could help threatened species by growing them on my property, and possibly find local land restoration initiatives to participate in. I'm currently in college and looking for a career path as well, as someone with documented disabilities. Where can I find the information I seek?

    Answer

    Dear bumble_boline, good morning. I appreciate your consideration of pollinators and I think it is admirable you would like to create a garden. The planting of species of conservation concern has considerations that need to be taken into account. For example, sourcing these plants to promote native genotypes is imperative. And, it is possible for planted rare species to migrate off site and create new populations that can create philosophical issues surrounding conservation efforts. None of this is to curb your enthusiasm, but to try and elucidate issues that arise with the cultivation of rare species. Feel free to continue the conversation--my email address is ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org. Best wishes.