RIVERSIDE POLLINATOR PROJECT
The Riverside Pollinator Project establishes pollinator-friendly habitats and food sources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects and wildlife. Because most native bees have a flying range of under half a mile, we aim to provide high-quality, native flower-rich habitat, both at Riverside Garden and throughout the surrounding neighborhood.
We plant and share native and non-native plants and seeds. They are not only perfectly suited for our native insects and birds – they are also a sustainable low-water choice. Native gardens replenish themselves and provide plants and seeds to share with others.
At Riverside Garden, we began planting a native pollinator bed in the easement of the property, filled with keystone plants for all to enjoy. We carefully chose natives with overlapping bloom times to support pollinators from Spring through Fall. Because monarchs migrate through Wichita every year, we prioritize different types of milkweed. We hope to encourage you to spend a little more time outside, connect with others, and learn together how to create something sustainable and beautiful.
We also share, at no cost, plants, and seeds with all who are interested. The Earth Day weekend event provides native and non-native flowering plants and grasses, vegetable starts, herbs, and seeds to all at no cost. We have found that the combination of growing vegetables and native plants to attract pollinators is an important combination.
The Riverside Pollinator Project is a cooperative venture of the Riverside Citizens Association, Riverside Garden, Grassland Groupies, the Kansas Native Plant Society, and others, working together to promote the Bee City Wichita initiative. In 2024 we planted native gardens at both the Riverside Garden and the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit.