Swan Lake WMA Pollinator Project

There are multiple recent reports of significant declines in populations of both native pollinating insects and managed honeybee colonies (National Research Council 2006). One of the many reasons for this decline is the loss of habitat due to the limited diversity of flowering plants which pollinators need for both foraging and nesting. This project would create patches of forb rich areas for pollinator habitat. Peterson Lake and Nicollet Bay Units are part of the Swan Lake Wildlife Management Area. Both Units are approximately 200 acres of wetland/grassland complexes adjoining Swan Lake, a 10,000 acre designated wildlife lake. Both sites are currently planted to warm season prairie with a high grass component. 35 native forb species have been selected for this planting project to create a diverse selection of colors, shapes, and blooming times. Research suggests that creating patches of flowering species is more beneficial to pollinators than having them widely dispersed so the areas of these plantings will be kept to approximately 2 acres each.