Partners For Pollinators
Working Group
The Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Partners For Pollinators Working Group is a multi-agency collaboration between four State of Tennessee agencies (Tennessee Department of Transportation, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency), non-profit partners, and consultants such as landscape architects and ecologists.
The Partners for Pollinators Working Group meets semi-annually and pursues projects which:
- Improve TDOT’s roadside practices for the benefit of pollinator species.
- Educates the public about pollinator topics.
- Has a positive ecological impact benefiting Tennessee’s pollinators.
More information about the Partners for Pollinators Working Group can be found on the here.
Partners For Pollinators Projects
As of 2022, projects include planting of pollinator meadows in two interstate welcome centers and eight Tennessee State Parks.
Each project includes educational materials such as interpretive signage, displays, and brochures, and supports the Tennessee State Park “Honey Project,” which places beehives in state parks.
To forward pollinator education, TDOT has created a series of animated, educational videos about pollination and pollinator species featuring narrator Polli the Bee from Tennessee. These episodes educate children about the process of pollination, its importance and the pollinator species native to Tennessee and the world.
Projects can be found at Big Hill Pond, Henry Horton, Montgomery Bell, Paris Landing, Pickwick Landing, Seven Islands, Sycamore Shoals and Warriors Path State Parks.
Partners for Pollinators Projects include:
TDOT / Tennessee State Park Projects
Additional Partners For Pollinators Projects
Pollinator Education
TDOT is actively promoting pollinator education and has developed interactive lessons and videos, associated to Tennessee K-12 academic standards for science, featuring Polli, The Bee from Tennessee and her pollinator friends! Working in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Education and Metro Nashville Public Schools STEAM and Science Program to create these tools, we hope that Tennessee educators, students, and the public enjoy learning more about pollinators’ impact in the state and the world!
Pollinator Database & Map Tool
Project Milkweed | Free Seeds
To help monarchs and other pollinators, the TDOT Pollinator Habitat Program is providing milkweed seeds to anyone in Tennessee who will join us in our mission. The best way to help pollinators is to rebuild their habitat and give them the food and shelter they need to survive.
Free Bingo Cards & Pollinator Blend Seed Mix
A fun way to observe and learn about pollinators is the TDOT Pollinator Habitat Program‘s “Travel Bingo” cards! You can get your FREE Bingo cards and pollinator blend seed mix (a great way to start your spring pollinator garden!) at Welcome Centers and events, or Tennessee educators can contact us here to order!
Pollinator Outreach
The TDOT Pollinator Habitat Program booth attends events across the state to educate and network with pollinator interest groups, teachers and citizens.
2022 Tennessee Science Teachers Association Conference
2022 Tennessee Honey Festival
Pollinator Week, James K. Polk building in Nashville
