The Pollinator Garden: Cultivating Nature’s Helpers
Funded in 2022 by generous individual donors, a grant from the Ada Soil and Water Conservation District, and contributions from Idaho Fish and Game and the Idaho Native Plant Society Pahove Chapter, the Idaho Native Plant Pollinator Garden is a vibrant new addition to the MK Nature Center. Spearheaded by MK Nature Center staff, this garden represents a complete transformation of the previous space, showcasing the beauty and importance of Idaho’s native pollinators and plants.
The garden features a wide variety of plants that are not only native to Idaho but also play a critical role in supporting local pollinators. These hardy plants require less water, resist grazing by deer and other wildlife, and attract essential insects and animals—making them ideal for home and business landscapes throughout the region.
As Idaho’s native plants and pollinators face growing threats from urban sprawl, climate change, pesticide use, and habitat loss, the garden serves as a valuable educational tool. Visitors can learn about the interconnectedness of these species and their critical role in our ecosystems. Two interpretive signs have been added to the garden: one focuses on the pollinator species that help sustain our food systems, while the other highlights the benefits of incorporating native plants into landscaping.
With planting completed in spring 2023 and an artistic sculpture added later that year, the garden is well-integrated into the MK Nature Center’s educational programs, offering visitors a chance to see the power of native plants and pollinators in action.
Grow. Learn. Protect.
Native Plants for a Better Future – Showcase of plants that support pollinators and thrive in Idaho’s climate.
Protecting Pollinators – Learn how the decline of these species impacts ecosystems and food systems.
A Collaborative Effort – This garden stands as a testament to the combined efforts of donors, organizations, and artists, working together to create a sustainable and educational space for all.
This garden isn’t just a beautiful space—it’s a living lesson in the importance of nurturing our local ecosystems.
