Ames Today

Members of a community task force led by the Ames Public Works Department and Prairie Rivers of Iowa recently released the City of Ames Pollinator-Friendly 10-Year Community Plan. Pollinators are animals, birds, and insects essential for food production and healthy ecosystems, but their numbers are declining due to loss of habitat. The community plan includes goals and strategies that empower residents to develop and sustain pollinator habitat.

“The Pollinator-Friendly Community Plan, together with the City’s Smart Watersheds program, provides one more tool to combat pollinator decline,” said Tracy Peterson. Municipal Engineer and task force member. “Ames utility customers can access several cost share rebates that encourage pollinator diversity by increasing their natural habitat.”

Rebates are available for native vegetation, rain gardens, native trees, soil quality restoration, rain barrels, and composters. Get more information at www.CityOfAmes.org/SmartWatersheds.

The Ames Pollinator Planning Committee has been charged with implementing this 10-year plan and is looking for volunteers. To get involved, contact Penny Brown Huber, Prairie Rivers of Iowa, at pbrownhuber@prrcd.org or 515.232.0048.

The City of Ames Pollinator-Friendly Community Plan is available on the City’s website at: www.CityOfAmes.org/birdpollinatorfriendly

Original source can be found here.