New Sites to Celebrate National Pollinator Month in June 2024
(June 3, 2024) - The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is expanding its commitment to provide habitat for beneficial pollinators on state right-of-way and at several offices across Maryland.
The State Highway has installed several new pollinator sites to establish native meadows and demonstration gardens as part of its Pollinator Habitat Plan. Crews have built demonstration gardens that attract pollinators and serve to educate State Highway Administration staff, stakeholders, and customers about the importance of beneficial insects and birds. These demonstration gardens have been installed at the State Highway Administration Headquarters building in Baltimore City, the Hanover Complex, and District Offices located in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Frederick, and Prince George’s counties.
An SHA-installed garden along I-70 at the South Mountain Welcome Center in Frederick County
The State Highway Administration installed more than 6 acres of native meadows along roadsides and medians in Queen Anne’s, Anne Arundel, and Howard counties that will be visible to those traveling along our roadways. The sites of these new pollinator include sections in the following locations:
- US 50 westbound, north of MD 213 in Queen Anne’s County;
- MD 3 (Crain Highway) southbound at the MD 32 (Patuxent Freeway) interchange in Anne Arundel County; and
- I-70 median between St. John’s Lane and Bethany Lane, west of US 29 intersection in Howard County.
With the addition of several new pollinator sites, the State Highway Administration is committed to enhancing pollinator habitat, food, shelter, and mobility networks that support Maryland’s wide range of pollinator species. Sites will attract pollinators such as butterflies, bees, beetles, wasps, flies, moths, and birds. Maryland is home to over 400 species of native bees, one of the most important groups of pollinators in the state.
Pollinator species across the nation are threatened due to habitat loss, disease, and insecticide exposure. Habitat creation and responsible management is essential for the sustainability of Maryland’s environment and thriving ecosystems.
Pollinator habitat efforts across the nation are highlighted during National Pollinator Week that runs June 17-23, 2024.