Welcome
Welcome to the Tompkins Pollinator Pathway webpage! We are a collaboration between Cornell and the Tompkins County community whose mission is to bring people together to plant, conserve, and connect pollinator habitats across the county. Pollinators are critical for growing our food crops and supporting natural ecosystems. By connecting people with nature and safeguarding local food supplies, we also aim to support the health and well-being of people throughout our communities.
According to Pollinator Pathway, a pollinator pathway is a “pesticide-free corridor of native plants that provide nutrition and habitat for pollinating insects and birds.” The corridor consists of committed individuals and organizations that pledge to take specific actions that may improve pollinator habitats and health. Habitats can be large, such as parks or natural lands, but even small spaces, like backyards and flower boxes, can be a part of a pollinator pathway. Because pollinators can only travel a certain distance, it’s important to develop a cohesive network of pollinator habitats in the area. For more information, please visit our FAQ page.
On the site, you will find:
- Simple definitions to core terminology and answers to questions like “what is a pollinator” or “what is a native plant”?
- The “Pollinator Pledge,” where you can show your commitment to creating pollinator habitat
- Helpful resources to help you along on your journey to create your own pollinator habitat
- An opportunity to join the “Pollinator Pathway,” by taking a brief survey and have your habitat added to the Pathway map to show the habitat connections we are making
- Opportunities to earn virtual “badges” by going the extra mile to provide nesting habitat, overwintering habitat, flowers that bloom and provide nectar and pollen in different seasons, and more!
If you would like to continue playing a part in protecting pollinators, please join our listserv by emailing us at tompkinspollinatorpathway@gmail.com, with Request to be added to the Pollinator Pathway Listserv as the subject of your message.