Pollinator Project
Background: The Northeastern Minnesota Synod in 2023 committed to becoming a Pollinator Synod, with the goal of creating pollinator friendly habitat on church and camp grounds and elsewhere, and of serving to pollinate the care of creation throughout the synod. Congregations participate in the synod-wide pollinator plot by developing their own pollinator plot. By doing so, they can be designated as Pollinator Sanctuaries. As of now, there are 49 congregations in Northeastern Minnesota who have become or are becoming pollinator sanctuaries.​

So what is a pollinator plot?
A “pollinator plot” is a dedicated area of land planted with a mix of native wildflowers and grasses, specifically designed to attract and support pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It provides a continuous food source throughout the growing season by including plants that bloom in spring, summer and fall
It is free of chemicals, insecticides and commercial synthetic products, and has no plants or seeds that have been treated with pesticides including chemicals such as Neonicotinoids It has a diverse population of plants to appeal to insects who may have specific needs. (e.g. Monarch butterflies need milkweed; rusty patch bumblebees need goldenrods and/or mint.) It is left intact throughout the winter to provide shelter for nesting insects and food for birds
Join the Plot!
There are 49 congregations in the Northeastern Minnesota Synod engaged in the pollinator project!
Do you have a pollinator garden at your congregation? Contact ecofaith@nemnsynod.org so we can add you to the map!
Become a Pollinator Sanctuary Congregation, Camp, Campus, or Community. Here are the Guidelines
Display the Pollinator Mandala Yard Sign and Pollinator Sanctuary Poster.
For more information, contact Jan Bilden, chair of the NE MN Synod Pollinator Plot Steering Committee at jpbilden@gmail.com