Quite a bit of equipment is available for beekeepers some essential and some nice to have. Figuring out what you need can be confusing. Here we’ll go over the essentials.

Native plants and pollinators have co-evolved for over millions of years; they rely on each other for survival. Remove one, and the other faces extinction. They are intricately intertwined and fragile.
Native plants offer crucial food and habitat for bees, butterflies, moths, birds and other insects and pollinators, whose populations are drastically declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.
By planting native species in your garden, you create vital habitat and food sources for pollinators that need native species for survival, helping to reverse their decline and restore balance. Additionally, native plants support our ENTIRE local food webs, providing sustenance for ALL wildlife.

BCBA encourages the planting of native plant species to support all pollinators.

Refine Your Native Plant Search

BLUE THUMB – although based out of Minnesota, plants would be the same. This site allows you to add “ecoregion” – we suggest for the Green Bay area, use “Northern Lakes and Forest Region”. You also add type of plant, size, and condition (sun or shade) and even pick plant COLOR. The site then spits out a list of plants that fit your specific criteria. A great place to start while looking for plants that work for you and your garden.

LADY BIRD JOHNSON – PLANT FINDER Narrow your search by entering in the criteria you’re looking. This site gives lot of information on the plant as well as ecological value and value to specific insects/pollinators.

WISCONSIN DNR – If you’re just starting out, and want something simple and easy to read – check out WDNR: “NATIVE PLANTS FOR BEGINNERS GUIDE” and other great resources for supporting pollinators here.

NATIVE PLANT RESOURCES – where to buy native plants

Stone Silo Prairie Gardens – 2325 Oak Ridge Cir, DePere, WI 54115 – We’re very lucky to have a native plant resource right in our back yard:

Prairie Nursery – located in WI

Prairie Moon Nursery – Located in MN

By planting native trees, flowers, bushes and grasses, we make a difference right in our own backyard. It doesn’t matter how big or how small your garden -every little bit matters. By planting native, we create healthy, vibrant habitats and food webs that contributes to a healthier environment.