Pollinator seed available for sale at Putnam SWCD

The news is out, pollinators are in decline. Monarch butterflies and honeybees have received the most press time, however all are in decline.

People have concerns about what this means for our availability of food. We have long taken for granted that pollinators could survive anything. But things have changed. We no longer can assume we will see bees and butterflies flitting about from flower to flower.

Things that have contributed to declining pollinators are habitats that have been lost or fragmented, cold winters and invasive plants.

The Putnam County SWCD is offering a pollinator seed mix program to help re-establish habitats. The pollinator mixes include Pale Purple Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Common Milkweed, Illinois Bundle Flower, Greyheaded Coneflower, Butterfly Milkweed, Spotted Bee Balm, Sawtooth Sunflower and Swamp Milkweed.

The mixes have been calculated for "Pure Live Seed" specifications as listed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The seed is bagged and ready for sale. It does not have any filler at this point, only seed. One bag will seed a quarter-acre for $38.50. The seed available is limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Should the need arise, the SWCD will order more before June 1. It is best to have an area seeded no later than June 15 to increase chances of seed germination and more positive results. The plants will come back each year once established.

To place an order or get more information, persons may contact the Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District can be at 653-5716 x3.