Erie County Pollinator Information

Welcome to the Erie County Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Master Gardener Pollinator Project!

For more information, please visit our Pollinator Support page.

Scroll through our e-book of pollinator-friendly plants perfect for WNY gardens!*

Handouts you can download

*Coming soon!

• Bumblebees: The Amazing Gentle Giants -CCE Erie County Pollinator of the Year 2022

• Hummingbird Moth (Clearwing Moth) – CCE Erie County Pollinator of the Year 2023*

• Native Plants for Pollinators & Beneficial Insects: Great Lakes

• Where can I purchase native plants near WNY? Area Native Plant Suppliers

• What is a native plant? Why are they good for pollinators?*
• Why Native? Benefits of planting native species in a changing climate

• Learn More: Pollinator Resources

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) identifies planting zones based on an area’s climate and conditions. Erie County has three zones: 5a, 5b and 6a. Knowing your zone helps you choose plants most likely to thrive in your garden.

• USDA Map
• NYS Map

Resources for WNY gardeners

• Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Native Plant Guide
• WNY Native Plant Collaborative Native Species List
• Monroe County Master Gardeners
• New York Flora Atlas
• NYS Native Flowers, Grasses, Shrubs, Trees and Vines
• Xerces Society Pollinator Plants: Great Lakes Region
• “Getting Started with Native Plants”

Special pollinator observances like National Pollinator Week and many more are listed!

Last updated August 4, 2023