At ECI we are taking a holistic approach to encouraging diversity in our pollinators. We are committed to providing habitat space for our native pollinators, in the form of open sandy ground, logs & stumps in wooded areas and leaving perennials unpruned to allow for overwintering spaces.
 

Bees are essential pollinators and play a critical role in supporting environmental health, food security, and human life. In fact, one out of every three bites of food we eat relies on pollination—much of it thanks to bees. However, increased pesticide and fungicide use, along with other environmental pressures, has contributed to a sharp nationwide decline in diversity of insects and pollinators.
 

At ECI, our focus is on building and nurturing these populations by establishing and expanding native pollinator gardens at St. Joseph Villa. By limiting pesticide use, incorporating leaf litter, and using pollinator-friendly gardening practices, we create safe, supportive habitats that sustain pollinators through every stage of their life cycle while strengthening biodiversity within our community.
 

Our three-season native perennial beds serve as a food source and habitat, demonstrating how a small, easy, cost effective change in a backyard can have a big impact on our pollinators.