Development of a Somerville-specific and local pollinator species inventory and other strategies are under consideration by the Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Advisory Committee.

By Ana Celerier Salcedo

On July 10, The Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Advisory Committee held their bi-weekly meeting to discuss housekeeping items regarding developments on the city’s Pollinator Action Plan.

This meeting marks the second to last phase one meeting, with phase two set to begin in the fall. Phase two of the Somerville Pollinator Action Plan hopes to focus on public outreach and seeking community support.

The plan’s goals are to develop a Somerville-specific and local pollinator species inventory and propose courses of action for residents and public servants to create a pollinator habitat that aligns with the species local to Somerville. Furthermore, the plan aims to explore pollinator habitats within the city and educate the public on the interdependence of pollinators, ecosystems, and urban life.

The City of Somerville Planner of Ecological Restoration, Alison Maurer, made a few announcements regarding two upcoming events during the meeting. Maurer announced that on July 19 at 9:00 a.m., there will be an onsite talk with Kate Kennen of Offshoots Inc. and a NOFA Conference taking place July 24 – 29, both online and in person.

More information can be found at nofamass.org/nofa-summer-conference.