TENNESSEE VALLEY-Now is the perfect time to add some buzz to your yard or garden – and help feed the pollinators that feed our world.
Around the Valley region in recent weeks, TVA partnered with the University of Tennessee to host pollinator planting events, reinforcing the shared commitment to strengthening natural habitats across our communities. These hands-on activities provided an opportunity to help restore some of the region’s pollinator corridors – small but powerful spaces that help keep the Valley’s ecosystems thriving.
These annual events help spotlight just how essential pollinators are to the foods people rely on every day – from fruits and vegetables to nuts and herbs.
And the good news is that everyone can make a difference. Planting native species is easy to do in your own living space. Whether you’ve got room for a few potted plants on a balcony or a sunny spot in the yard, everyone can play a part in supporting pollinators at home.
A few well-chosen native plants can create vibrant habitats for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other essential species. Consider adding purple coneflower, bee balm, black-eyed Susan or butterfly milkweed to bring color, movement and life to your outdoor space while supporting local ecosystems.
All four of these species are native to the region and thrive in its climate zones. They’re also pollinator magnets:
- Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – Loved by bees and butterflies. Its seeds feed finches later in the season.
- Bee balm (Monarda didyma or Monarda fistulosa) – Excellent for bees and hummingbirds. It adds bright color midsummer.
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – Low maintenance, long-blooming and attractive to a wide range of pollinators.
- Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) – Critical host plant for monarch butterflies and attractive to many native bees.
More pollinators mean healthier crops, stronger natural systems and more resilient landscapes. TVA’s partnerships, combined with individual actions like adding native plants at home, help ensure that the Valley region’s natural resources continue to flourish for generations to come.
Media Release/TVA River Neighbors
