OLD LYME– Are you ready to support pollinating insects and birds but don’t know where to start?

Two Old Lyme organizations are teaming up to present The ABCs of Pollinator Plants, with examples of native trees, shrubs, perennials and groundcovers that grow in our area and provide the supportive ecosystem our pollinators need.

ABCs of Pollinator Plants will be a live Zoom Webinar at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 18, co-hosted by Pollinate Old Lyme! and CT Audubon Society’s Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center.

The program is open to anyone interested in seeing examples of native plants that grow here, the bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects that depend on these plants for food, nectar and pollen, and the many migrating birds that, in turn, feed on these insects. The birds also rely on these plants for nesting sites, food and shelter. 

“We know that pollinators depend on native plants, but it’s much more interesting when you can piece together the interdependent relationships,” says Pollinate Old Lyme!’s Suzanne Thompson.

She continues, “Where do warblers hunt for the best juicy caterpillars to feed their babies? Do those feed on oak, maple or redbud leaves? Do robins really survive on earthworms, or do they like other insects, too? And if I want to see hummingbirds – or orioles – what should I plant?” 

CAS/RTPEC teacher-naturalist Joe Attwater and Thompson have created a colorful alphabetized presentation of native plants and the bees, butterflies, bugs and birds that depend on them.

Nature lovers can learn more about identifying native plants, birds and insects and where they are mostly likely to grow.

Home gardeners can get ideas of what to plant.

Advance registration is required. Email PollinateOldLyme@gmail.com to receive Zoom link. 

For further information, Like/Follow Pollinate Old Lyme! on Facebook and subscribe to the Pollinate Old Lyme! YouTube Channel. 

For additional information about RTPEC, visit https://www.ctaudubon.org/rtp-programs-events/ or call 860-598-4218.