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.
Pollinators are endangered
by the loss natural habitat.
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They need us
& we need them.
So what is a pollinator plot?
A “pollinator plot”
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is a dedicated area of land planted with a mix of native wildflowers and grasses
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is specifically designed to attract and support pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
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provides a continuous food source throughout the growing season by including plants that bloom in spring, summer and fall
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is free of chemicals, insecticides and commercial synthetic products
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has a diverse population of plants to appeal to insects who may have specific needs.
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(Monarch butterflies need milkweed; rusty patch bumblebees need goldenrods and/or mint.)
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has no plants or seeds that have been treated with pesticides including chemicals such as neonicotinoids
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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!
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Do you have a pollinator plot at your congregation?
Contact ecofaith@nemnsynod.org so we can add you to the map!
Becoming a Pollinator Sanctuary Congregation
Here’s how your congregation can join the plot
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Seek the support of your church council or creation care team. Let your congregation know that they will be participating in a synod wide project. Do some basic education of why this matters.
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Let the EcoFaith Network know so that we can add you to the growing list of Pollinator Sanctuary congregations! Email us at ecofaith@nemnsynod.org .
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Establish a place for your pollinator sanctuary. Find out what site preparation may be needed for the pollinator plot you have selected.
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Commit to pollinator friendly practices on your church grounds, such as no pesticides, no herbicides, no lawn chemicals.
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In the designated pollinator habitat area, there are other best practices too, such as leaving stalks and leaf cover.
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Plant and/or seed with regionally native plants that have not been grown in or exposed to Neonicotinoids. Prioritize good nectar plants.
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Do a blessing or commissioning of your pollinator sanctuary, either indoors in worship or outdoors next to the pollinator plot.
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Consider writing an article for your church newsletter and local newspaper.
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Place the Pollinator Sanctuary yard sign in or next to your pollinator plot during the growing season. Yard signs and posters are available at the synod office. Call 218-724-4424 or email rollie.bockbrader@nemnsynod.org to pick them up.
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Display the Pollinator Sanctuary Poster in your church building or door.
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Spread the word! Put the Pollinator Sanctuary Mandala on your church's website, worship material, and Facebook page.
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Encourage congregation members to develop pollinator sanctuaries at home
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Monarchs need us too! Plant milkweed and become a Monarch Way Station!
Learn from our Zoom Conversations!
Share and Learn - April 2025
On April 10, 2025, the Pollinator Plot Steering Committee had a Spring Share & Learn discussing what is a Pollinator Plot, tips on caring for your Pollinator Plot, and information on the status of
Plotting for Pollinators - May 2023
On May 17, 2023, the Pollinator Steering Group hosted an event with information and advice on starting, growing, and maintaining pollinators gardens and monarch waystations, which you can listen to here.