1 POLLINATOR ENHANCEMENT STATEGY for ORLANDO and ITS RESIDENTS by NICHOLAS J. PASEIRO Master's Research Project Presented To

POLLINATOR ENHANCEMENT STATEGY FOR ORLANDO AND ITS RESIDENTS

BY NICHOLAS J. PASEIRO

Master’s Research Project Presented to the Graduate School of the University of Florida in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Architectural Studies with a Concentration in Sustainable Design

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

2018

To my wife, parents, brothers, sister, family and friends

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost, I want to thank Allaah who has guided me blessed me in an uncountable number of ways. I ask Him to send peace and blessings on the Prophet Muhammad and those who follow him.

I would like to thank Professor Donna Cohen, my committee chair, and Professor Michael Volk, my committee member, for their assistance in guiding me through the completion of my

Master’s Research Project. In addition, I would like to thank everyone involved throughout the entire duration of the Sustainable Design program, primarily Dr. Kung and Professor Walters, for the tremendous amount of time and effort they spent on me, to help me succeed and gain the most benefit out of this experience.

Lastly, my beautiful wife who has been incredibly patient and supportive in helping me to stay motivated to accomplish this major milestone in my life. Thank you to my mother who has instilled in me, the tools to accomplish my goals in life, and who has always pushed me to pursue and value education. And my father, who has been rooting for me from the start. As for my family, and classmates, they have made this experience both fun and meaningful with their constant communication and continuous support.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... 5 ABSTRACT ...... 6 INTRODUCTION ...... 8 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...... 11 LITERATURE REVIEW ...... 13 Pollinators Relationship with Mankind ...... 13 Challenges in Developing for Pollinators ...... 15 Pollinators in the Urban Environment ...... 18 Urban Agriculture ...... 21 Pollinator Habitat Requirements ...... 22 Pollinator Habitat Site Selection ...... 24 CASE STUDIES ...... 26 Edinburgh, Scotland Study ...... 26 Bee City USA: An initiative of the Xerces Society ...... 27 Bee City Asheville, North Caroline 2017 ...... 28 Bee City Toronto, Canada ...... 30 Pollinator Friendly Legislation ...... 33 THE CITY OF ORLANDO ...... 38 Meeting with the City of Orlando ...... 38 Orlando Green Works Department ...... 38 Migrating Mural with The Nature Conservancy ...... 39 Fleet Farming ...... 40 Orlando and the National Wildlife Federation...... 40 National Wildlife Federation: Certified Wildlife Habitat ...... 41 National Wildlife Federation: Mayor’s Monarch Pledge ...... 42 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 45 Orlando Pollinator Enhancement Strategy...... 46 Resident Pollinator Enhancement Strategy ...... 48 Sample Designs ...... 49 Future Considerations ...... 51 Limitations ...... 52 CONCLUSION ...... 53 REFERENCES ...... 54

ABSTRACT Abstract of the Master’s Research Project Presented to the Graduate School of the University of Florida in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Architectural Studies with a Concentration in Sustainable Design

POLLINATOR ENHANCEMENT STATEGY FOR ORLANDO AND ITS RESIDENTS

By Nicholas J. Paseiro July 2018

Chair: Donna Cohen Cochair: Michael Volk Major: Master of Science in Architectural Studies with a Concentration in Sustainable Design

Decline in pollinator abundance has triggered an effort to study and preserve pollinators and the ecological services they provide. The pressures of urban development have continued to encroach on natural, semi-natural, and rural landscapes, the primary habitats of native pollinators. Pollinators, primarily the insects that help our agricultural systems produce a viable crop, often inhabit the areas consumed by urban expansion. In turn, non-native generalist pollinators, the honey bee, are temporarily brought in to replace or supplement the pollination services of native pollinators.

The use of land to produce food, in contrast with the use of land to provide suitable living facilities for the human population, are often at odds with one another, particularly in the urban environment. The recent trend of urban agriculture is working as a solution to some of these challenges. Pollinators within the urban environment can help to assist in the success of the urban agriculture trend. Research has shown that pollinators are able to thrive within the urban environment given the right conditions. Conventional urban development practices have neglected pollinators and the ecosystem services they provide. Notwithstanding, urban environments have the potential to provide the most robust and diverse pollinator species. I

6 intend to propose sustainable pollinator land development guidelines for the City of Orlando, FL and its residents. The guidelines will be based on case studies and research that provide information on pollinator habitat requirements, site selection, human interaction and ecosystem services. The suggested sustainable pollinator development strategy will be shared with the City or Orlando to help inform and support their sustainable development strategy and engage

Orlando’s citizens as participants.

INTRODUCTION The development of major cities has created a schism between the rural agricultural areas and the heavily populated urban/suburban environment. “In just the eight years from 2002 to

2010, over 8.3 million acres (approximately 13,000 square miles) of farmland and natural habitat succumbed to the bulldozer’s blade. That is an area larger than the entire state of Maryland – cleared, scraped, filled, paved and built over – in less than a decade.” (Kolankiewicz, L., Beck,

R., & Manetas, A., 2014.). While many species and ecosystems have been affected by this development, it is the loss of farmland and pollinator habitat that has the potential to have the biggest impact on today’s societies. The food production system we benefit from today, is a direct result of these natural, semi- natural, and rural agricultural lands. However, the increase in human population combined with the population influx to major city centers is continuing to threaten the food system that we have grown accustomed to.

In recent years, a key component of the agricultural industry has given us warning of the impact of our practices. This “canary in the coal mine” is Apis melifera, also known as the honey bee. In 2006, mass die-offs of honey bees occurred, affecting a considerable number of commercial beekeepers without any known cause. This phenomenon was termed colony collapse disorder, or CCD. This was unwelcome news for the global agriculture industry because of its reliance on honey bee pollination for crop production.

Although the honey bee takes the spotlight when it comes to the most notable pollinator, it didn’t always carry the majority of the work load, and is not always the most efficient pollinator. Native bee populations such as the bumble bee, sweat bee, carpenter bee and others have proven to have higher quality of plant pollination depending on the crop being pollinated.

Quality of pollination is measured by the plants ability to produce fruit after pollination as well as the seed set that is produced by the fruit after pollination (Lowenstein, D., Matteson, K., &

Minor, E., 2015). These ‘specialized’ pollinators vary in size, and each have unique pollen collection behavior. While some of these pollinators can be managed in way similar to honey bees, for example bumble bee colonies are also purchased by farmers to pollinate tomatoes, many native bees are solitary and are not managed by humans in the same way.

It is this reason why the worlds agricultural system has become dependent on managed migratory beekeeping operations. Historically, native pollinators shared a significant portion of agricultural crop pollination responsibilities, and still do, however, like honey bees, native pollinators have been in decline. The conversion of natural habitat into urban/suburban development, combined with industrial agricultural monocultures used to support the mass production of food, have had a negative impact on native pollinator communities. Habitat loss leaves little to no resources left for the survival needs of pollinators, and monocultures significantly reduce plant and pollinator diversity, leaving only patches of suitable food sources.

Once these patches finish their bloom, the pollinators are left with nothing to eat, thus the habitat becomes unsuitable to sustain pollinator needs. This has been the unintended result of our advancements as a society. The agricultural industry’s mono culture practices, habitat degradation and reliance on migratory beekeeping to produce a viable crop has created an environment where native pollinators no longer able to thrive due to seasonal ‘desert’ conditions.

Despite that, native pollinators have been able to establish themselves in the urban/suburban setting. With the increase in urban gardening accounting for 6% of global food production and growing (Lowenstein, D., Matteson, K., & Minor, E., 2015), along with aesthetic landscaping, pollinator habitat within cities shows potential as a safe haven for native pollinators, and perhaps the future of agricultural systems. Urban areas support a diverse group of pollinators. For example, 168 different species were documented in the greater Chicago area

9 alone. In addition, when compared to agricultural landscapes, residential urban/suburban gardens may prove to be superior pollinator habitats in areas where pollination is enhanced (Lowenstein,

D., Matteson, K., & Minor, E., 2015).

Enhancing pollinator habitat can be used to strengthen pollinator diversity and pollinator abundance in both rural and urban settings. Considering the rapid pace at which urban areas continue to grow, this study will focus on the urban environment. The intent of this research is to create sustainable development guidelines for pollinator habitat for the city of Orlando, FL, and its residents. Orlando’s is among the top ten cities contributing to urban sprawl and it’s prominence as a tourism destination, its continued growth and development, and its recent dedication to urban farming and agricultural education programs in 2016, makes Orlando a prime location for pollinator enhancement strategies to be developed and implemented. This research will conduct case studies to determine what strategies should be utilized in developing these guidelines. Site specific pollinator needs will be addressed and incorporated into the sustainable pollinator habitat enhancement strategy. Using this information, two documents will be produced and offered to the city of Orlando to adopt as a development strategy for their future projects.

The documents will be a Pollinator Enhancement Strategy for the City of Orlando, and a

Resident Pollinator Enhancement Strategy to be implemented by homeowners.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional, non-experimental, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the development of pollinator habitat in urban environment was selected for this research. Since many locations around the world have recognized the importance of developing with pollinator habitat in mind, the location selected served as an expansion to what has been developed so far in this field. Considering that the study was focused on the relationship of pollinator habitat in the context of the urban environment, the cross-sectional approach was most fitting. The conclusions drawn from the data collected reflected this specific relationship in time, while it simultaneously provided insight as to what the ideal urban pollinator habitat of Orlando would look like and what benefits it would provide.

The approach of the research as a non-experimental study lies in the data that will be collected and analyzed. The data collected was pre-existing and reflects what is already known within the field of urban pollinator habitat, but was used to exact certain development strategies from the data collected. This data was accurate enough to develop conclusions because of the universality of pollinator habitat development practices used in the world at this time. A retrospective-prospective study is the most suitable because the study focused on the past and current trend of designing pollinator habitat in the urban environment and proposed some potential guidelines for development.

For collecting data, information in design, pollinator habitat requirements, site selection, human interaction, and ecosystem services was gathered, sourced from global research publications, as well as city, state and non-profit organizations. Interviews and questionnaires were not needed in this study. This data selection method was most accurate in investigating the

11 question proposed in this study. In addition, case studies are included. The case studies were based off urban pollinator development strategies developed by the City of Toronto, the City of

Asheville and a research proposing site selection methods for the City of Edinburgh. This is a major feature of what was included in discovering the most effective development strategies for urban pollinator habitat. The data used was analyzed based on the practices that will be most beneficial to the site of Orlando, FL.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Pollinator decline is widely accepted as a threat to our food systems, and an indicator of the degradation of environmental conditions that support healthy wildlife populations. This has led to the understanding that development practices resulting in loss of natural habitat, as well as poor environmental stewardship practices, such as monoculture crop production, and excess use of pesticides and fertilizers, among other factors, have directly contributed to the decline in pollinator health. The publicity surrounding this dilemma has helped promote research into the causes and solutions of the pollinator crisis. This literature review intends to provide insight as to how that research can help inform future development practices that will support pollinators in the urban environment. The review will examine the importance of pollinators, pollinators in the urban environment, urban agriculture, some of the challenges that arise when developing for pollinators, and information on pollinator habitat site selection and habitat requirements.

Pollinators relationship with Mankind

The practice known as migratory beekeeping is what fuels much of the United States crop production. Migratory beekeeping involves over one million colonies from around the country being packed onto 18-wheeler semi-trucks and shipped to various fruit, nut, and vegetable farms throughout the states for pollination services. Without these services, some of our crops would not produce fruit at all. This operation sustains our current agricultural system, pollinating over

95 different types of fruits and vegetables. Among the top crops reliant on honey bee pollination are, almonds which are 100% dependent, apples which are 90% dependent and Blueberries which are also 90% dependent on honey bee pollination (Glenny W., Cavigli I., Daughenbaugh

K., Radford R., Kegley S., & Flenniken M., 2017). It is this relationship that puts the honey bee at the crux of the production of our agriculture.

The importance of the honey bee is known and recognized, however, “an increasing number of studies demonstrate the value of bee diversity to maintain or exceed pollination provided by commercial honey bee hives. (Mallinger and Gratton 2015)”

It has been demonstrated that different types of pollinators provide higher levels of efficiency at pollinating, depending on the plant being visited. In some cases, the honey bee is the most efficient pollinator, in other cases the bumble bee, or sweat bee is the most efficient pollinator, etc. (Lowenstein, D., Matteson, K., & Minor, E., 2015). This demonstrates the significance of having a diverse set of pollinators to provide the most effective pollination of crops, and in turn the highest yield and quality of agricultural products.

Although we rely on pollinators to produce a viable crop, many of our agricultural practices have a direct negative impact on pollinator health. “The intensification of agriculture practices, such as pesticide application, land tilling, monocultures, and reduced season-long floral resources largely contribute to these[pollinator] declines” (Lerman, S. B., Contosta, A. R.,

Milam, J., & Bang, C. 2018). There are many potential causes to pollinator decline, they are often a synergy of factors that contribute to this phenomena. Habitat loss, competition with invasive pollinator species, parasites, diseases, reduced floral resources and invasive plant species have all been accepted as contributors to the global decline in pollinators. (Fukase, J.,

2016).

The decline of managed and native pollinators is recognized throughout the world as a critical environmental issue and has become a high priority in conservation efforts. Urbanization is recognized as a primary contributor to this crisis and practices that promote urban pollinator gardens and other development strategies are beginning to become established (Fukase, J., 2016).

Challenges in Developing for Pollinators

Habitat Degradation/Urbanization

Urbanization translates to loss and degradation of habitat. The removal and conversion of natural, semi-natural and agriculture lands into urban cities leaves minimal resources for pollinators to nest, feed, drink and reproduce. The recognition of this habitat loss has resulted in the protection of rural lands. Equally as important but often neglected is the pollinator habitat in urban areas. The green spaces within the urban setting also provide ecosystem services that are

12 times more likely to be affected by the planned urban expansion (Gren, Å, & Andersson, E.,

2018). While many animal species are not able to survive in the urban environment, pollinators are an exception. Pollinators can establish themselves in areas considerably smaller than what is required for other animals. This provides urban developers the opportunity to have a positive environmental impact by considering pollinators in the development process without having to dedicate so much valuable square footage to establishing pollinator habitat.

Fragmentation

The lack of continuous pollinator habitat, or quality habitat in relative proximity to one another, stunts the biodiversity of pollinators in the urban environment. Built infrastructure can serve as barriers to adjacent quality food sources, as well as opportunities for reproduction. This habitat fragmentation disables a pollinator populations ability to seek out mates and decreases biodiversity. Pollinator populations then have a weakened ability to respond to environmental threats and leaves them more susceptible to disease and parasites. Finally, fragmentation prevents the spread of pollinators to areas that may benefit from increased pollinator activity. If pollinators can thrive in one area, ideally, once that area has reached its carrying capacity the pollinators would migrate to adjacent habitat or even rural areas to continue to provide

15 ecosystem services. Pollinator habitat should have an element of continuity within the urban environment if the pollinators are to truly excel in cities.

Invasive Plants/Wildflower Seed

In an effort to help support pollinators after their recognized decline, a widespread effort has been made to promote wildflower planting in a variety of landscapes; agricultural, highway berms, urban gardens, and green infrastructure. Benefits of wildflower planting include

“supporting pollinators, quick establishment, being able to deal with urban stressors, and provide urban ecosystem functions such as storm water infiltration” (Johnson, A. L., Fetters, A. M., &

Ashman, T. 2017). Pollinator seed mixes commonly used by landscapers and citizen gardeners contain a variety of wildflower species, among which have the potential to withstand varying levels of environmental tolerances, as well as have prolific dispersal and colonization ability. It has been observed that urban planting of wildflowers has, in fact, attracted and supported pollinators and are frequently used by pollinators as a food source. The impact of these wildflower planting has shown benefit to pollinator populations but the consequences of their plantings are not known. The constant endeavor for ecologists around the world is the threat of invasive species taking over native species by out competing and encroaching into traditionally native habitats. The concern in regard to wildflowers is the possibility of the wildflower’s showy displays becoming more attractive to the pollinators, thus outcompeting the native plants. This results in a decrease in frequency of pollination of native plants, a decline of natives and an increase in foreign plant species. Studies of the effect of these plantings on pollinator diversity have shown that species relative abundances mediate the likelihood of impacts (Johnson, A. L.,

Fetters, A. M., & Ashman, T. 2017). While wildflower planting may not have the impact that we

16 find with true invasive species, it is important to prioritize planting native wildflower species over foreign non-natives.

Turf Grass

“Turf grass is a common land cover in residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas in U.S. cities. Turf grasses cover approximately 163,800 km2 (+/− 35,850 km2) of the conterminous U.S., an area three times larger than that of any irrigated crop” (Davis,

A. Y., Lonsdorf, E. V., Shierk, C. R., Matteson, K. C., Taylor, J. R., Lovell, S. T., & Minor, E.

S., 2017). Although turf grass, or sod, is nice and neat, providing a pleasing aesthetic to a front yard, this grass provides little to no habitat requirements for pollinators. In fact, turf grass can be detrimental to pollinators. Aside from requiring a demand of finances, water and fertilizers, pesticides that are known to cause harm to pollinators are often used to ensure that the lawn remains healthy.

“If a small amount of turf grass was modified or converted to floral resources, the benefits to urban bees and pollination services could be substantial” (Davis, A. Y., Lonsdorf, E.

V., Shierk, C. R., Matteson, K. C., Taylor, J. R., Lovell, S. T., & Minor, E. S., 2017). To change the norm of having turf grass in the front yard is a difficult feat. If the public is educated and the value of converting these lands to native plant species is demonstrated the possibility of taking advantage of these lots may open up. “Research in the UK has indicated that the general public does support providing habitat for insects in public parks, and a majority of park visitors reported that their enjoyment of the park had either stayed the same or increased after half of the grass area in a 6 ha park was replaced with wildflowers. Similar studies in the U.S. are needed”

(Davis, A. Y., Lonsdorf, E. V., Shierk, C. R., Matteson, K. C., Taylor, J. R., Lovell, S. T., &

Minor, E. S., 2017). Turf grass, although pleasing, doesn’t have a significant effect on the habits

17 of the human populations enjoyment of outdoor spaces. While turf grass is necessary in areas for recreation, there are many areas within a city where turf grass is not utilized. These areas are ideal for conversion from turf grass to native pollinator friendly plants, easily turning underutilized space into productive pollinator habitat.

Pollinators in the Urban Environment

The urban environment’s constant expansion has vast effects on the ecosystem, the ecosystem services it provides, and the species that it supports. Some of these species have been unable to survive in an urban environment, while others have adapted and been able to thrive.

With the worlds pollinators facing a crisis, the resiliency of pollinators is being put to the test.

Pollinators have the potential to succeed if the proper consideration is taken in supporting their needs. An investigation was done to provide insight as to how many different pollinator species an urban environment is able to support, if any at all. It was determined that in Chicago, IL, a total number of 68 species were documented in the heavily developed neighborhoods, and 138 in the greater area (Lowenstein, D., Matteson, K., & Minor, E., 2015). This data shows that pollinators are already existing in urban environments. Enhancing the extent and quality of these urban pollinator communities increases the likelihood these communities can serve as pollinator havens.

Rural agricultural landscapes, known to support pollinator habitat are becoming less and less suitable to support diverse sets of pollinators. “Relative to agricultural landscapes, residential gardens may be superior bee habitats where pollination is enhanced” (Lowenstein, D.,

Matteson, K., & Minor, E., 2015). It has been shown that specialized pollinators, such as the bumblebee, respond in favor of urban land use, and often utilize urban community gardens.

Bumble bees have been documented taking advantage of enhanced pollinator habitat, using

18 artificial and natural nesting sites. The response of the bumble bee to urban pollinator habitat is an indication that pollinators can succeed in the urban environment. The success of the bumble bee and other species to adapt provides ecosystem benefits to the urban environment that wouldn’t exist otherwise.

With the decline of pollinators and the increase in urban development. Investment in green infrastructure should be carefully planned to have the most beneficial impact. Pollinators provide benefit in promoting plant biodiversity, strengthening urban agriculture and providing pest control. (Bellamy, C. C., Jagt, A. P., Barbour, S., Smith, M., & Moseley, D. 2017)

Initially, the idea that the urban environment is a biological desert has found support in research that shows the effects of urbanization on an environment. However, reconsidering the urban environment and the biophysical ecology that takes place in these environments can cast urbanization in a new light.

Pollinators are species that require little space and habitat requirements to thrive. Quite often pollinators have flourished in the urban environment when given the right conditions. Their relatively small functional requirements for nesting, foraging, life cycle, and habitat range, allows them to thrive in an environment that may not support large mammals. (Hall, D. M.,

Camilo, 2017) Considering the fact that more diverse and abundant native bee populations have been found in urban cities rather than rural landscapes, efforts should be directed to modeling our urban infrastructure in a way that promotes the proliferation of these successful ecosystems.

Natural resource management investments that support urban conservation have historically been used to support recreation facilities, outreach, and connect people with open spaces. Efforts should be made to appeal to cities, planners and natural resource management agencies to consider the significance of the urban environment as habitat for pollinators. In

19 investing in the city itself, by supporting pollinator habitat, they would be providing multiple benefits for the city and its inhabitants. The ecosystem services of pollinators can be used as an educational tool and provide recreational benefits. These programs also have the potential to spill off these ecosystem services to rural areas by serving as hub for pollinator conservation, that would, in turn, help to provide pollination for rural farmland. (Hall, D. M., Camilo, 2017) Effects of enhancing pollination in a city can even have political benefits. “Matching conservation planning to the ecological complexity of cities benefits natural resource management agencies because it provides more direct connections to their constituency in population centers.

Conservation for the city garners an audience for agencies’ other conservation efforts and likely, favor at the ballot box”( Hall, D. M., Camilo, 2017).

Targeting cities for conservation and habitat enhancement efforts has several advantages, the use of agriculture pesticide has the likelihood to be much less prevalent, and the lack of large herbivores would facilitate the growth of more sensitive plant species.

While there has been a direct correlation between enhancing pollinator habitat and increased visitations from pollinators, monitoring and quantifying this improvement is a long- term process that is being conducted in several studies throughout the United States. Another correlation that has been made is the impact of human density and income on bee diversity and abundance. Often low-income areas with less population density have been shown to have higher bee diversity than in areas with higher income and higher population density. This is attributed to the low-income areas containing more vacant lots and abandoned infrastructure. Also

“residential pesticide use is lower in low-income neighborhoods than in higher income areas” (

Hall, D. M., Camilo, 2017). The extent of the relationships between bee diversity and development patterns of residential land in the urban setting still leaves more to be discovered.

The benefit of these pollinator spaces, on food security and community development is important information that should be used to inform city planners, conservation scientist and policy makers to target pollinator conservation in the urban environment. The improvement of these spaces needs to be accomplished by thoughtfully, intentionally, making an effort to tend to the populations of urban pollinators. ( Hall, D. M., Camilo, 2017)

Urban Agriculture

The development of urban agriculture in U.S cities has been a response to the urban rural divide. This disconnection from the source of the food that is purchased at the grocery is an idea that has consistently popped-up in major U.S cities. People want to know where their food comes from, and it many cases people enjoy growing their own food. The idea of farming only being viable in open rural lands is now becoming a thing of the past. City residents are finding new ways to grow food within their own communities. With that taking place, urban gardening accounts for 6% of global food production and accounts for 90% of agricultural space in cities like Chicago, IL. (Lowenstein, D. M., Matteson, K. C., & Minor, E. S. 2015)

The ability of urban green spaces to provide, “rural” ecosystem services, such as food production and pollination, show success in bridging the gap between rural and urban living.

With the loss of farm land and the increase in human population. An increased demand for agriculture production is necessitated. The opportunity to face this challenge can be found in the development of urban agriculture in cities. The interest and implementation of urban gardening is providing a way to increase urban sustainability and food security. In addition, studies have shown that urban garden areas and private urban gardens also provide excellent pollinator habitat and can become important source areas to support pollinators in the surrounding landscape

(Gren, Å, & Andersson, E., 2018)

Pollinators, in many ways, serve as the backbone of an urban agriculture operation. Wild or managed bee colonies surrounding an urban agriculture plot often visit these sites for food, and in turn, provide the pollination that is needed to produce a viable crop. Many urban crops, such as cucumbers and squash, depend on these pollination services. They also depend on diversity of pollinator species to have the most efficient pollination. Several studies have shown that pollinator diversity and abundance have been negatively impacted by urban development.

Those interested in supporting urban agriculture should also be supportive of creating or enhancing urban pollinator habitat.

It is accepted that the conservation efforts for urban pollinator habitat would also increase the productivity of urban agriculture. Studies on rural agricultural systems show that the improvement of floral resources surrounding the agricultural operation increased the value of the pollination services within the agriculture system. This same model could be correlated to the urban agriculture system ( Davis, A. Y., Lonsdorf, E. V., Shierk, C. R., Matteson, K. C., Taylor,

J. R., Lovell, S. T., & Minor, E. S. (2017). Currently, high quality pollinator habitat may be fragmented or few, actions need to be taken to ensure quality habitat throughout the city scape.

“Increasing pollination supply for residents city wide instead of for urban farms and community gardens could arguably be more important if residential gardens are as productive as urban farms and community gardens on a per area basis” (Davis, A. Y., Lonsdorf, E. V., Shierk, C. R.,

Matteson, K. C., Taylor, J. R., Lovell, S. T., & Minor, E. S. 2017).

Pollinator Habitat Requirements

Because of the minimal space that is needed to provide the resources necessary to meet the needs of pollinators, relatively simple practices can promote the establishment of pollinators

22 within a specific site. The habitat requirements of pollinators can be broken down into four basic needs food, water, shelter, and the absence of pesticides.

Food- pollinators survive off a mixture of pollen and nectar. Nectar is their main source of food, and for bees, pollen is collected and used in the feeding of young. While pollinators can, and will go for any available food source, it is important that a diverse array of food sources are present. Native plants are the most beneficial because they support the natural ecosystem function and help to promote specialist pollinator populations that adapted their foraging habits to be effective on native plants. Providing pollinators with an array of colors and shapes of flowers, as well as different heights of plants, ensures that the needs of a diverse set of pollinators will be met. Finally, it should be made sure that the blooming of floral resources at a site are sequential, meaning that at least one source of food will be available year-round.

Water-pollinators consume water, and depending on the species, use it for different functions in their hive or nest. But providing water for pollinators isn’t as simple as having a swimming pool in the back yard. Many times, these water bodies are too deep or do not have any surfaces where pollinators can safely land and drink without falling into the water and drowning.

It is important that safe and accessible water resources are provided within a site designed for pollinator’s. A stream, a birdbath, a tray with stones in it, even a puddle may serve as a prime watering station for pollinators. The idea is to provide a space where pollinators can drink without having the risk of being overtaken and drowning in the water.

Shelter- Shelter for pollinators depends on the specie of pollinator. This requires a diverse set of shelter types within a pollinator habitat. Pollinators nest in the ground, rotted wood, twigs, grass tufts, hollowed materials, constructed boxes, trees, and specific species of plants. It is important to facilitate all varities of shelter types in the pollinator habitat site.

The fulfilment of the needs of pollinators ensures the pollinator has everything it needs to establish itself, however, any potential threat to the pollinator must also be considered. Pesticide use within a pollinator habitat needs to be eliminated or minimized. Integrated pest management strategies can assist in reducing the need for pesticides within a site.

Pollinator Habitat Site Selection When thinking of urban spaces, it important to recognize that each lot carries a high value, and when thinking of creating pollinator habitat, it is important to recognize that not all areas may be suitable to support pollinators. It is important that cities do not “waste” high value lots to create pollinator habitat in areas that are not able to support, or only can support a limited set of pollinators. When selecting a site to enhance or create pollinator habitat, there are three criteria that ensure the site selected will provide the most benefits.

Priorities of selecting a site depend on benefits to Pollinator Health, Human Health and

Provides Ecosystem services. Benefits to pollinator health is dependent on the surrounding resources and the potential to increase connectivity of the site to other quality habitat.

Benefits to human health is difficult to quantify. However, studies have been able to provide some insight as to the potential for pollinator habitat to benefit human health. People have been shown to prefer, or report psychological benefits in areas with higher levels of biodiversity. Pollinator habitat, especially in urban areas, can provide the feeling of rich biodiversity that provides a feel-good factor when interacting with nature. In selecting areas that would provide benefit to people, State and or Country indexes offer data that display health statistics geographically. It is largely accepted that high quality greenspace and opportunities to interact with nature close to people’s residences has a positive impact on human health, these areas would serve as a priority (Bellamy, C. C., Jagt, A. P., Barbour, S., Smith, M., & Moseley,

D., 2017). In addition, areas with lower socioeconomic status tend to have limited access to high

24 quality greenspace and endure lower quality environmental conditions. A potential problem is that the socioeconomically deprived communities have been shown to visit green spaces less frequently. However, environmental improvement has been linked to increases in greenspace visitation. This increase in greenspace visitation can be a measure on determining the success of developing a pollinator habitat in meeting the criteria of benefiting human health.

The ability of a site to enhance in providing ecosystem services can be determined in the habits and effects that pollinators have on the surrounding environment. Pollinators ecosystem services of pollinating native plants, assisting in pest control, increasing plant diversity and food abundance for other animal species and increasing the yield of urban agriculture for humans are all factors in valuing the ecosystem service benefits of enhancing a particular site.

In selecting areas that would provide the most benefit to pollinators, a method known as habitat suitability modeling(HSM), or species distribution models, can be implemented based on specific pollinator species to find the areas within a city that have the most suitable habitat to support pollinators (Bellamy, C. C., Jagt, A. P., Barbour, S., Smith, M., & Moseley, D., 2017).

This will help to fulfill each species’ habitat requirements, and specify areas that can be selected to be protected or improved. In addition, the HSM can be used to show the impact of potential changes, helping to measure the effect of habitat improvements. A working demonstration of habitat suitability modeling is further discussed in the Edinburgh case study.

CASE STUDIES

Edinburgh Scotland Study

In a study out of the United Kingdom in 2017 titled, “A spatial framework for targeting urban planning for pollinators and people with local stakeholders: A route to healthy, blossoming communities?”, a working habitat suitability model was utilized in the city of Edinburgh,

Scotland. This study used this model to select sites based on the site selection criteria previously mentioned. The Habitat suitability model was executed using 5 steps:

1) Mapping urban landscape features: Locate, using geographic data greenspaces and built infrastructure that may promote pollinator habitat suitability.

2) Modelling pollinator-urban feature interactions: Measure pollinator presence, to determine pollinator habitat suitability at different scales at the identified locations to identify actions that can be taken to improve greenspace quality

3) Mapping target areas for improving pollinator habitat suitability and connectivity: Develop a map identifying the areas that highlight the optimal areas for improving greenspace quality.

4) Mapping target areas for improving people's health and identifying ‘win-wins’: identify areas of relatively poor human health and overlay these onto the pollinator target areas to locate parts of the city where improvements to green infrastructure should be targeted as a nature-based solution with ecological and societal benefits.

5) Engaging stakeholders: present the outputs to local stakeholders and identify opportunities for citizen engagement to encourage interest in wildlife gardening and increase environmental stewardship within and around mapped target zones.

The results of this model are intended to be used to work with cities and their planers to discuss and initiate a pollinator pledge to help encourage strategic improvements in infrastructure

26 for pollinator habitat. Often cities have green infrastructure plans or conservation/development of green and blue infrastructure. After collecting information on the criteria, sites can be selected as high priority sites, the green infrastructure development plan of the city can be tailored to include these sites for the enhancement of pollinator habitat based on the results of the habitat suitability model. This information needs to be shared with the relevant municipalities and their associated organizations to have the most effective implementation.(Bellamy, C. C., Jagt, A. P., Barbour,

S., Smith, M., & Moseley, D., 2017)

Bee City USA: An Initiative of the Xerces Society

Bee City USA has been established by the Xerces Society, a leading organization in the conservation of invertebrates, primarily pollinators. The Xerces society hosts workshops and seminars and works to promote pollinator health in the political realm by enacting petitions and publishing reports, books and guides to support pollinator health.

Bee City is an initiative that “fosters ongoing dialogue in urban areas to raise awareness of the role pollinators play in our communities and what each of us can do to provide them with healthy habitat” (Bee City USA, 2018). This is accomplished by endorsing a set of commitments based on creating sustainable habitats for pollinators. The aim of Bee City USA is to raise awareness, enhance habitats, and celebrate achievements. Cities, towns, counties and communities from around the United States are invited to become certified as Bee City USA

Affiliates. At this point, there are 71 Bee Cities and counting.

By making this commitment with Bee City USA a team of grassroots leaders, city staff, and experts will be established and a resolution will be submitted to Bee City USA to become an affiliate. As an affiliate of Bee City USA the city will benefit in a number of ways. Cities will institutionalize the local governments and community’s commitment to pollinator conversation,

27 they will be held accountable for their commitments through annual reporting and have access to conference calls and webinars to promote sharing and collaboration between cities. Bee City

USA provides information to its affiliates on the latest funding opportunities and provides promotion resources to promote the program within the city. Finally the sustainable pollinator conservation strategy that is adopted by being a part of Bee City USA ensures survival of vital animals species, improves local food production, stimulates the local plant nursery market, engages the community in removing invasive, addresses pest problems less toxically, and more

(Bee City USA, 2018).

Among the sites selected in the case studies of this research, the following two cities are affiliates with Bee City USA and Bee City Canada.

Bee City Asheville, North Carolina 2017

Asheville, North Carolina is the headquarters of Bee City USA. This case study intends to highlight some of the practices that were implemented based on Asheville’s 2017 report to

Bee City USA.

The foundation of Asheville’s pollinator friendly practices is its policy of “planting only native plants, using permaculture best practices instead of pesticides and only working with nurseries that sell plants without neonicotinoids” (Asheville Annual Report 2017).

The Green Works Executive Director is also working on a long term Urban Forest Master

Plan that will “ensure no net tree canopy loss” (Asheville Annual Report 2017). The department is conducting a study to determine current canopy cover in order to set future goals for the master plan. In the effort to enhance pollinator habitat and health, Asheville’s Green Works department hosted 32 different planting events with a total of 568 volunteer and over 1,700 hours of volunteer time (Asheville Annual Report 2017).

A large project that took place in Asheville was the Pollinator Meadow Pilot project at Lake

Julian Park. The project was focused on removing a 5,000-square foot section of grass and replacing the site with native plants for pollinators. The success of this plan is to be evaluated in

2018 and will begin a second phase where seeds, plugs and established shrubs will be planted

(Asheville Annual Report 2017).

Education and Outreach

A consistent theme throughout The City of Asheville’s efforts is to coordinate with schools to promote pollinator health through education and interaction with pollinator habitat. In

2017 the city removed invasive species from Rainbow Community School’s garden and installed new pollinator friendly plants. A child led planting project was also implemented at Claxton

Elementary School to install a pollinator garden outside the windows of their library’s media center. This project was even covered in the local news. The largest education project that was implemented by the cities Green Works Department was installing the Glen Arden Elementary

Pollinator Garden. The previously grassy, monocultured space, was converted into and efficient , thriving pollinator garden that is now used as an educational tool by the whole school. The unique part about this project is that the students were directly involved in the entire process. The students voted on the on plants that would be planted in the garden from a pre-approved native plant list. The list was based on three different plant categories: vines, perennials, and shrubs.

The plants selected were graphed and counted to incorporate math into the process of developing the garden. Finally, the students assisted in removing the turf grass and planting the plants to be direct contributors to their new school garden (Asheville Annual Report 2017). This project allowed students to gain skills in research and design and provided them with the hands-on experience of working in a garden, which instilled pride in them for accomplishing this project.

Asheville’s enthusiasm on making pollinator conservation and enhancement a reality in their city shows the success that creating pollinator habitat can have. By working to enhance local parks, and using education and outreach to establish pollinator gardens to be used as a tool for the youth, helps to create potential for future generations to realize the importance of this endeavor.

Bee City Toronto, Canada

Toronto, Canada was the first Bee City to be Established in all of Canada. This case study intends to highlight some of the practices that were implemented based on Toronto’s Resolution

Designating the city as a Bee City to Bee City USA.

Similar to the city of Ashville, Toronto has put policy in place to serve as a foundation for their pollinator enhancement strategy. The City of Toronto’s Official Plan states, Policy 3.4.1

“To support strong communities, a competitive economy and a high quality of life, public and private city-building activities and changes to the built environment, including public works, will be environmentally friendly, based on: b) Protecting, restoring and enhancing the health and integrity of the natural ecosystem, supporting bio-diversity in the City and targeting ecological improvements”. Also, “Toronto was a leader in banning the use of pesticides in 2003 which contributed to protecting the health of pollinators.

The initiatives the City of Toronto has adopted as part of becoming a Bee City include the following:

• “Establishment of pollinator friendly habitat across the city, which engage local

communities and provide educational opportunities through interpretive signage,

community planting events, and tours.

• Provides diverse and abundant nectar and pollen from plants blooming in succession

from spring to autumn.

• Provides clean water for drinking, nest-building, cooling, diluting stored honey, and

butterfly puddling.

• Is comprised of mostly, if not all, native species of annual and perennial wildflowers,

shrubs, trees, and grasses because many native pollinators prefer or depend on the native

plants with which they co-evolved.

• Includes, where possible, designated pollinator zones in public spaces with signage to

educate the public and build awareness.

• Provides undisturbed spaces (leaf and brush piles, un-mowed fields or field margins,

fallen trees and other dead wood) for nesting and overwintering for native pollinators;”

(The City of Toronto Bee City Designation 2017)

Toronto Green Roofs

Another bold and valuable step Toronto has taken is to support pollinators in green roofs.

“Toronto is the first City in North America to have a bylaw to require and govern the construction of green roofs on new development. Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 492 Green

Roof came into effect on February 1, 2010 and applies to most building permit applications for new development that are over 2,000m2 in gross floor area. The Bylaw requires that new development include a green roof covering between 20 and 60 percent of the roof area depending on the size of the building” (City of Toronto Guidelines for Biodiverse Green Roofs, 2013).

Along with establishing green roofs as a bylaw for new construction Toronto published the” City of Toronto Guidelines for Biodiverse Green Roofs”. As part of these guidelines, emphasis was placed on using roofs to recreate natural landscapes, having roofs fulfil habitat requirements for

31 native species and specifically targets pollinators in the selection of plants to be used on green roofs. The plan recommends including microclimates, nesting areas, perching habitats and water sources to be included on every green roof.

Figure 1 City of Toronto Guidelines for Biodiverse Roofs In recommending these guidelines, the City took the initiative to lead by example with the new 2.7-acre upper-level urban plaza garden Podium Green Roof , Canada's largest publicly accessible green roof.

The building platform is appropriate to host pollinators because it falls under the 8-story suggested limit for functioning pollinator habitat. The roof provides a public space and civic gathering place on top of a built environment and serves as a National and Provincial landmark.

Figure 2 Nathan Phillips Square Toronto City Toronto’s practices that support pollinator habitat conservation and enhancement have been effective in making the city a leader in the world for supporting pollinators in the urban environment. By developing personalized strategies for the city and passing laws that will help to support those strategies, it is evident that Toronto has been able to meet and exceed it’s goals in supporting pollinators.

Pollinator Friendly Legislation

In the case studies, a commonality that was shared between Asheville and Toronto was the fact that both cities used legislation as a foundation to accomplish their pollinator habitat

development goals. The effectiveness of this strategy shows through the continued progress each

city has made. For this reason, it is important to understand the different types of legislation that

can be developed to help support pollinators. Below are other pollinator friendly legislation that

are active through the united states:

Figure 3 States with pollinator friendly legislation “Research

• California (AB 1912 – 2010): Creates the California Apiary Research Commission to conduct

research and develop education programs related to the health of honeybees and the

beekeeping industry.

• Oklahoma (SB 229 – 2015): Authorizes the state board of agriculture to create a pollinator

protection plan to protect the health of and mitigate the risks to honeybees and other managed

pollinators.

• Oregon (HB 4139 – 2014): Creates the Task Force on Pollinator Health whose responsibilities

include: (1) studying pesticide regulations, education programs and data collection methods of

other states and countries relating to pollinator health; (2) identifying funding streams for

efforts to promote pollinator health; and (3) evaluating best management practices for applying

neonicotinoids in a manner that avoids harm to pollinating insects.

• Vermont (HB 539 – 2016): Establishes a Pollinator Protection Committee to evaluate the

causes of reduced pollinator populations and recommend measures to conserve and protect

pollinator populations, including study of best management practices for neonicotinoid

pesticides.

Pesticides

• California (AB 1789 – 2014): Requires the Department of Pesticide Regulation to complete

the re-evaluation of neonicotinoids’ effects on pollinator health by July 1, 2018. The law

requires the department to adopt control measures necessary to protect pollinators within two

years of issuing the determination.

• Connecticut (SB 231 – 2016): Directs the commissioner of agriculture, in coordination with

others, to develop best practices for minimizing airborne liberation of neonicotinoid pesticide

dust from treated seeds and mitigating the effects of such dust on pollinators. Requires the

commissioners to classify all neonicotinoids that are labeled for treating plants as restricted

use.

• Oregon (HB 4139 – 2014): Requires Oregon State University to develop educational materials

regarding best practices for avoiding adverse effects of pesticides on populations of bees and

other pollinating insects. The materials must be included as part of the education required for

the pesticide applicator licensing examination.

• Vermont (HB 869 – 2014): Requires the secretary of agriculture food and markets to evaluate

the effect of neonicotinoid pesticides on human health and the health of bees and other

pollinators.

Habitat Protection

• California (AB 559 – 2015): Authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife to take actions

to conserve habitat for monarch butterflies.

• Connecticut (SB 231 – 2016): Requires the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station to

develop a citizen’s guide to model pollinator habitat. Directs the department of agriculture to

include model pollinator habitat in any conservation plan the agency requires as part of its

farm preservation programs. Requires the office of policy and management to amend a state

plan to prioritize development with model pollinator habitat.

• Minnesota (HB 976 – 2013): Appropriates $300,000 over two years from the pesticide

regulatory account to develop best management practices that protect pollinators by providing

habitat necessary for their survival and reproduction. These practices must also be

incorporated into pesticide applicator and county agricultural inspector training. A portion of

the funds may be transferred to the University of Minnesota to design habitat and measure and

report the outcomes achieved.

• Washington (HB 2478 – 2016): Requires all agencies to give preference, when appropriate, to

replacing pollen-rich or nectar-rich noxious weeds with native forage plants that are beneficial

for all pollinators, including honey bees.

Awareness

• Oregon (HB 3362 – 2015): Establishes the pollinator health outreach and education plan to

educate the public regarding the best practices for avoiding adverse effects from pesticides on

populations of bees and other pollinating insects.”( National Conference of State Legislatures,

2018)

These active legislations provide examples as to some the principles that should be considered in developing legislation for pollinators. Promoting research, pesticide restrictions, habitat protection and awareness are used as a basis for developing effective pollinator friendly legislation.

THE CITY OF ORLANDO

Meeting with the City of Orlando

As part of the objective of this research, The City of Orlando’s Green Works Department was contacted and a meeting was scheduled with Chris Castro, Director of Sustainability, on July

17th, 2018. As part of this meeting, the intent of using the guidelines developed through this research was discussed. Mr. Castro was delighted to hear that this research was going on and shared some of Orlando’s current initiatives and goals that the city is working on to enhance and promote pollinator habitat throughout the city. The result of this meeting helped to clarify the needs of Orlando and the potential for Orlando to adopt the guidelines created as a result of the research. Orlando’s goal to become a Certified Wildlife Habitat, promote pollinator habitat as part of it’s green infrastructure, and it’s commitment to urban agriculture was discussed.

Orlando’s current projects along with some affiliates of Orlando with be discussed as part of this research.

Orlando Green Works Department

Green Works Orlando is Orlando’s Sustainability initiative whose goal is to make

Orlando one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the country. It focuses on Energy,

Food Systems, Livability, Solid Waste, Transportation, Water and Smart Cities Initiatives.

In relation to establishing pollinator habitat for residents. Green Works Orlando offers multiple programs that provide resources for its citizens upon request.

To create a pollinator habitat, citizens can Utilize Green Works for the following:

• Pollinator Garden Seeds- Pollinator Seed packs are provided free upon request for

citizens to plant in their garden

• Energy-Savings Trees- the City of Orlando in Collaboration with the Arbor Day

Foundation put together a website where you can select trees, map them in your yard and

have them delivered to your door for planting.

• Street Trees- Request up to four free trees to be planted in your front yard from the City

of Orlando.

• Composter- Request your free Backyard Composter from the City of Orlando.

• Rain Water Harvester- Request your free Rainwater Harvesting Barrel from the City of

Orlando.

Green works Orlando recommended utilizing these resources in the development of the

Resident Pollinator Enhancement Strategy. By including these resources for residents, it will decrease the financial cost and make the implementation of the strategy more feasible in having more people participate in Orlando’s current initiatives.

Migrating Mural with The Nature Conservancy

Orlando, in collaboration with the Nature Conservancy, has launched “Migrating Mural” an art campaign promoting awareness on the conservation initiatives for the Monarch butterfly.

The Migrating Mural initiative consists of 2 murals title “Milkweed Galaxy” and “Midnight

Dream”. These Murals are located in Winter Park and Downtown Orlando. This campaign uses a unique strategy to promote awareness and conservation pollinator species and their habitats.

Figure 4 "Midnight Dream" Mural Downtown Figure 5 Milkweed Galaxy Fleet Farming

Fleet farming is a non-profit organization operating out of a local Orlando think tank called “IDEAS”. Fleet is an urban agriculture program that started in central Florida and aims to assist Orlando residents in getting involved in urban agriculture. Fleet Farming model is to transform the underutilized land of residents’ lawns into productive micro-farms that will have an impact on local food systems. The produce grown by these micro-farms is sharecropped with the land owner and the excess is sold at local farmers markets. The program is supported by community member who are interested in engaging in urban agriculture. The Fleet Farming program has locations in Winter Park, Colonial, Audubon Park and Parramore.

Orlando and the National Wildlife Federation

A primary goal for the city of Orlando’s Green Works Department is to become a

Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. To accomplish this, Orlando has to achieve a certain number of credentials and report their progress to the National Wildlife

Federation. Currently, Orlando is 75% complete in becoming a Certified Wildlife Habitat with

222 individual homes, 4 schools, and 16 common areas all achieving Wildlife Habitat

Certification. Each individual certified site contributes to Orlando’s overall certification.

Additional education, outreach and administration credits are needed to complete the remaining

25% of Orlando’s Certification (Community Wildlife Habitat 2018).

National Wildlife Federation: Certified Wildlife Habitat

In the meeting with the City of Orlando, it was agreed that the Resident Pollinator

Enhancement Strategy should also fulfill the criteria for homeowners to have their yards certified by the National Wildlife Federation. To do so the following certification requirements were considered in developing the Resident Pollinator Enhancement Strategy.

Certification Requirements

Food- Include at least 3 of the following food types: ▪ Seeds from a plant ▪ Nuts ▪ Pollen ▪ Nectar ▪ Fruits ▪ Suet ▪ Foliage/Twigs ▪ Sap ▪ Bird Feeder ▪ Squirrel Feeder ▪ Hummingbird ▪ Butterfly Feeder Feeder

Water- Include at least one of the following water types for wildlife to drink and bathe: ▪ Birdbath ▪ Ocean ▪ Butterfly Puddling ▪ Lake ▪ Water Garden/Pond Area ▪ Stream ▪ River ▪ Rain Garden ▪ Seasonal Pool ▪ Spring

Cover- Include at least two of the following for wildling to find shelter from weather and predators: ▪ Wooded Area ▪ Roosting Box ▪ Burrow ▪ Bramble Patch ▪ Dense Shrubs or ▪ Meadow or Prairie ▪ Ground Cover Thicket ▪ Water Garden or ▪ Rock Pile or Wall ▪ Evergreens Pond ▪ Cave ▪ Brush or Log Pile

Places to Raise Young- Include at least two of the following to encourage wildlife to reproduce and raise young: ▪ Mature Trees ▪ Host Plants for ▪ Dense Shrubs or a ▪ Meadow or Prairie Caterpillars Thicket ▪ Nesting Box ▪ Dead Trees or ▪ Water Garden or ▪ Wetland Snags Pond ▪ Cave ▪ Burrow

Sustainability- Include at least two of the following to manage your habitat in a sustainable way: ▪ Soil and Water Conservation: Riparian Buffer • Capture Rain Water from Roof • Xeriscape (water-wise landscaping) • Drip or Soaker Hose for Irrigation • Limit Water Use • Reduce Erosion (i.e. ground cover, terraces) • Use Mulch • Rain Garden ▪ Controlling Exotic Species: Practice Integrated Pest Management • Remove Non-Native Plants and Animals • Use Native Plants • Reduce Lawn Areas ▪ Organic Practices: Eliminate Chemical Pesticides • Eliminate Chemical Fertilizers • Compost

Benefits to Certification When you certify you will become a member of the National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife™ community and receive the following benefits:

▪ Personalized certificate ▪ A one-year membership in the National Wildlife Federation and subscription to National Wildlife® magazine ▪ 10% off the National Wildlife Federation catalog merchandise, including nesting boxes, feeders, birdbaths, and other items to enhance your wildlife garden ▪ Subscription to monthly Garden for Wildlife e-newsletter with gardening tips, wildlife stories, and other resources ▪ Exclusive option to purchase attractive garden signs designating your garden as a Certified Wildlife Habitat® with the National Wildlife Federation (Certify Garden for Wildlife 2018).

National Wildlife Federation: Mayor’s Monarch Pledge

Additionally, Orlando’s Mayor, Buddy Dyer, committed to the National Wildlife

Federations Monarch Pledge. The pledge is to restore Monarch Butterfly Habitat in the Orlando community and encourage citizens to do the same. Mr. Dyer pledged to 8 Monarch Pledge

Action Items. The progress on these action items will be reported back to the National Wildlife

Federation annually, to provide accountability. A comprehensive list of all 25 action items are listed below:

“Communications & Convening:

1) Issue a Proclamation to raise awareness about the decline of the monarch butterfly and the species’ need for habitat.

2) Launch a public communication effort to encourage citizens to plant monarch gardens at their homes or in their neighborhoods.

3) Communicate with community garden groups and urge them to plant native milkweeds and nectar-producing plants.

4) Convene city park and public works department staff and identify opportunities for revised mowing programs and milkweed / native nectar plant planting programs.

5) Convene a meeting with gardening leaders in the community to discuss partnerships to support monarch butterfly conservation.

Program & Demonstration Gardens:

6) Host or support a native plant sale or milkweed seed giveaway event.

7) Facilitate or support a milkweed seed collection and propagation effort.

8) Plant a monarch-friendly demonstration garden at City Hall or another prominent location.

9) Convert abandoned lots to monarch habitat.

10) Plant milkweed and native nectar plants in medians and public rights-of-way.

11) Launch a program to plant native milkweeds and nectar plants in school gardens by engaging students, teachers and the community.

12) Earn recognition for being a wildlife-friendly city by expanding your action plan to include other wildlife and habitat conservation efforts through a program like the NWF Community

Wildlife Habitat program

13) Create a monarch neighborhood challenge to engage neighborhoods and homeowners’ associations within the city to create habitat for the monarch butterfly.

14) Initiate or support citizen-science efforts that help monitor monarch migration and health.

15) Add milkweed and nectar producing plants in community gardens.

16) Expand invasive species removal programs to make it possible to re-establish native milkweed and nectar plants to the landscape.

17) Host or support a city monarch butterfly festival.

Systems Change:

18) Remove milkweed from the list of noxious plants in city weed / landscaping ordinances (if applicable).

19) Change weed or mowing ordinances to allow for native prairie and plant habitats.

20) Increase the percentage of native plants, shrubs and trees that must be used in city landscaping ordinances and encourage use of milkweed where appropriate.

21) Direct city property managers to consider the use of native milkweed and nectar plants at city properties where appropriate.

22) Integrate monarch butterfly conservation into the city’s Park Master Plan, Sustainability

Plan, Climate Resiliency Plan or other city plans.

23) Change landscape ordinances to support integrated pest management and reduced use of pesticides and insecticides.

24) Adopt pesticides practices that are not harmful to pollinators.

25) California Specific: Pass a resolution to protect over-wintering monarch butterfly habitat on public and private lands”(National Wildlife Federation , 2018 )

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the information gathered through the literature review and the meeting with

Chris Castro, from The City of Orlando’s Green Works Department, the effort to support pollinator habitat in Orlando has already begun to take place and shows a tremendous amount of potential for improvement. In an effort to assist in the continued progress of this effort, two documents have been produced. The first document, “Orlando’s Pollinator Enhancement

Strategy”, proposes guidelines for the City of Orlando to consider in expanding its effort in creating and enhancing pollinator habitat. The strategy offers Orlando some action items for the

City to consider that will assist in its effort to galvanize making Orlando a Certified Nation

Wildlife Habitat, as well as providing a continuous and quality pollinator habitat throughout the city. The second document “Resident Pollinator Enhancement Strategy”, provides guidelines and action items for private homeowners to utilize to be able to have their yards qualify to be

Certified Wildlife Habitat while simultaneously meeting all the requirements to provide quality pollinator habitat to Florida’s native pollinator species.

Orlando Pollinator Enhancement Strategy The City of Orlando has already recognized the importance of supporting wildlife, and pledged to support the Monarch Butterfly within its development plan. To meet the goals of the City of Orlando, continued innovation in pollinator habitat development should be considered. This document has been put together to highlight some of the strategies that the City of Orlando can utilize to be the foremost in the country in developing sustainable pollinator habitat. The strategies in this document have taken the leading ideas worldwide, and fit them into the context of the City of Orlando. • Develop pollinator friendly legislation. Pollinator friendly legislation can be based on the following 5 key concepts:

1. Support Pollinator-friendly Pesticide 4. Ensure Participation and Empowerment of Policies Diverse Stakeholders 2. Conserve Pollinator Habitats 5. Support Collaborative Research and Outreach 3. Value Ecosystem Services

Example: “All areas landscaped under the authority of the City of Orlando shall only utilize native plants that are sourced from nurseries that do not use neonicotinoids” • Create rooftop pollinator gardens on city buildings. The City of Toronto’s document “Guidelines for Biodiverse Green Roofs” provides a foundation for pollinator habitat in green roof development: https://web.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/8d24- City-of-Toronto-Guidelines-for-Biodiverse-Green-Roofs.pdf • Coordinate with schools to create permanent educational programs that utilize on site pollinator gardens. These programs will serve as the foundation for the future of Orlando’s urban gardens by planting the idea of urban gardens/agriculture in the youth. Example: Millenia Gardens Elementary • Work with hospitals, public facilities, roadside and utility rights-of-way to further establish pollinator gardens. These areas are often underutilized, but have tremendous potential to support wildlife and be aesthetically pleasing, enjoyable spaces. • Utilize local nurseries that grow native pollinator plants free of systemic pesticides. Stimulate the local nursery economy by sourcing city projects from local nurseries and encouraging them to grow more native plants. This will also give Orlando residents access to more natives at their local nursery. • Remove invasive plants/animals in local parks. Invasive species often outcompete Florida’s native species. Removal of these species and replacement with native species creates a healthier Florida ecosystem and supports biodiversity. • Remove turf grass and replace with native grasses and wildflowers. Turf grass is high maintenance and requires a significant amount of water, pesticides, and fertilizer to maintain. Removal of turf grass from areas that are determined unnecessary will help support Florida’s native plant species. Species that are well adapted to Florida’s climate and require little maintenance. • Choose native plants that bloom at different times to provide year-round food sources. The City of Orlando’s landscape design should include a variety of plants that support year-round blooms. By selecting plants that bloom sequentially, pollinators will be able to meet their needs throughout the year.

• Use Habitat Suitability Modeling to select target sites to work with residents to develop enhanced pollinator habitat. Habitat Suitability Modeling is based on the following methodology: 1. Mapping urban landscape features: Locate, using geographic data, greenspaces and built infrastructure that may promote pollinator habitat suitability. 2. Modelling pollinator-urban feature interactions: Measure pollinator presence, to determine pollinator habitat suitability at different scales at the identified locations to identify actions that can be taken to improve greenspace quality 3. Mapping target areas for improving pollinator habitat suitability and connectivity: Develop a map identifying the areas that highlight the optimal areas for improving greenspace quality. 4. Mapping target areas for improving people's health and identifying ‘win-wins’: Identify areas of relatively poor human health and overlay these onto the pollinator target areas to locate parts of the city where improvements to green infrastructure should be targeted as a nature-based solution with ecological and societal benefits. 5. Engaging stakeholders: Present the outputs to local stakeholders and identify opportunities for citizen engagement to encourage interest in wildlife gardening and increase environmental stewardship within and around mapped target zones. • Work with residents in selected sites to promote and implement the Resident Pollinator Enhancement Strategy. Pass out the Resident Pollinator Enhancement strategy at City and local events. • Apply to become a Certified Bee City. By becoming a bee city, The City of Orlando will have access to nationwide conference calls and webinars, be accountable through annual reporting, get up to date information on the latest funding efforts and pollinator research, and creates opportunities to collaborate with other bee cities. Apply at: https://www.beecityusa.org/application-city.html

Resident Pollinator Enhancement Strategy Pollinators are key contributors to a healthy ecosystem. They are indicators of a healthy habitat and provide pollination services that we directly benefit from. This strategy was developed to guide you to be able to turn your yard into a sustainable pollinator habitat. By implementing the guidelines provided, you will be able to host a wide variety of pollinators in your yard, and will have all the requirements necessary to have your yard Certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. 1) Prepare Your Yard • Remove any existing invasive plant/animal species • Install rainwater harvesting for irrigation • Implement Integrated Pest Management(IPM) Practices to minimize pesticide use. (Use University of Florida’s IPM guide at: http://ipm.ifas.ufl.edu/

2) Meet Habitat Requirements • Food Source- Plant native nectar and pollen producing plants. ▪ Be sure plantings are grouped together to concentrate areas where pollinators can forage, and prevent isolation. Select multiple varieties of flowering plants, different colors and shapes of flowers, that will promote a diverse set of pollinators. Tip: Butterfly Milkweed Supports Monarch Butterflies! ▪ Select plant types with overlapping and sequential bloom periods. This will provide year-round food for pollinators and help to support a variety of species. (Plant Selection Reference Guide: http://www.xerces.org/wp- content/uploads/2016/10/FloridaPlantList_Mar16_web.pdf for Florida Pollinator Plant Species)

• Nesting- Provide nesting habitat. Sun exposed bare ground, dirt, nesting blocks, rotted wood, tree stumps, brush piles, and grass tufts all support different varieties of pollinators. Include at least three different nesting types. • Water Source- Provide a water source. A bird bath, butterfly puddling area, rain garden, water garden/pond, fountain or large bowl/tray with rocks inside for landing, are all suitable places for pollinators to drink and bathe. 3) Utilize Florida Friendly Landscaping Practices: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/homeowners/nine_principles.htm 4)Create an urban agriculture garden plot, plant fruit trees, or utilize the Non-Profit Organization Fleet Farming at www.fleetfarming.org or (929)-269-3276 5) Certify your yard with the National Wildlife Federation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat at, www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/Certify

What can Orlando do for your Pollinator Garden? • Pollinator Garden Seeds- Request your free pollinator seed pack from the City of Orlando’s “Plant a Florida Pollinator Garden” program to be planted in your garden. Details can be found at: www.cityoforlando.net/greenworks/plant-a-florida-pollinator-garden/ • Energy-Savings Trees- Request a free tree for you to plant in your yard from the City of Orlando in Collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation. Details can be found at: www.cityoforlando.net/trees/privatetrees/ • Street Trees- Request up to four free trees to be planted in your front yard from the City of Orlando. Details can be found at: www.cityoforlando.net/trees/streettrees/ • Composter- Request your free Backyard Composter from the City of Orlando. Details can be found at: www.cityoforlando.net/blog/request-your-free-backyard-composter/ • Rain Water Harvester- Request your free Rainwater Harvesting Barrel from the City of Orlando. For details on all of the above, The Orlando Green Works Department can be reached at: [email protected], or 407-246-2121 48

Sample Designs

Future Considerations

Considering how timely and well received this research was by the City of Orlando, the final intent of this research is to have it implemented by the City of Orlando and its affiliates. It is hoped that the documents produced can work as a bridge in identifying overlap areas between

Orlando and organizations that may contribute to this effort such as, University of Florida’s

Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (IFAS) Orange County Extention office, Green Up

Orlando, Keep Orlando Beautiful, Fleet Farming and others. The many non-profit organizations, schools, universities, and municipalities that Orlando works with would benefit from gathering and discussing potential application of these strategies and altering the strategy to fit into the existing efforts of these organizations. Following this research, it is expected that another meeting will be held with The City of Orlando where all the potential organizations that would benefit from this plan can be contacted and informed about The City of Orlando’s efforts and the resources that have come out of this research. Subsequent to this meeting, it would be ideal to have all interested parties meet and discuss future strategies that would help to accomplish The

City of Orlando’s goal for creating the city as a wild life habitat while assisting to accomplish the goals of each individual organization utilizing the strategies developed through this research.

Limitations

Although the effort of this research was to provide the most comprehensive plan to enhance pollinator habitat in the city of Orlando, the time constraint in producing the pollinator enhancement strategies has made it difficult to consider all the available information and case studies that can contribute to this project.

The lack of ability to conduct a compressive Habitat Suitability Model for the City of

Orlando leaves much to be desired for Orlando to have a visualization of the sites that are ideal for enhancing pollinator habitat. This could not be done due to lack of technology and field representatives to conduct the work necessary to complete the model.

Furthermore, some aspects of pollinators in the urban environment have not been fully researched. The effect of urbanization on pollinator diversity and abundance, although evident, needs to be further researched as to the long-term effects of such development. The same thing can be said about the introduction of wildflower seed to support pollinator habitat, the long-term effect of these practices is still under study.

For this reason, the strategies produced were only able to use the most relevant information in hopes that the ongoing studies for the long-term effects of urbanization and wildflower seed use would result in favor of the research recommendations.

CONCLUSION

The City of Orlando’s recent initiatives have demonstrated the intent of the city’s stewardship towards pollinators. The programs that are in place in Orlando provide a foundation that can be built upon to further improve future pollinator development. The combination of wildlife habitat enhancement, urban agriculture, community outreach, resident programs, sustainability initiatives and the recent pledge to support monarch butterflies, are intentional efforts by the city to promote pollinator habitat. The two pollinator enhancement strategies provided through this research can provide an improvement in Orlando’s efforts and help to synchronize the efforts of Orlando’s Green Works Department and its affiliates in non-profit, state and academic organizations. The global pollinator habitat enhancement strategies researched offer practices that can easily be adopted into the City of Orlando’s development plan. Pollinator habitat enhancement will result in improved health of Orlando’s pollinators, improved health of Orlando’s residents, and improved productivity in Orlando’s urban agriculture systems. Enhancing Pollinator habitat is a sure way to make “The City Beautiful”

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