2025_Final Somerville Pollinator Action Plan — File 25-1495

POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE M a y o r K a t j a n a B a l l a n t y n e Photograph by: Dr. Nicholas Dorian

Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Table of Contents Somerville Pollinator Action Plan 1 3 5 11 17 25 33 89 111 117 123 139 Acknowledgments Letter from the Mayor Section 1: Why Pollinators? Section 2: How to use this Plan Section 3: Pollinators in Decline Section 4: Plan Goals Section 5: Somerville’s Pollinators Section 6: General Recommendations / Best Practices Section 7: Private Space Recommendations Section 8: Landscape Services Recommendations Section 9: Public Space and Policy Recommendations Section 10: Recommendations for Learning 145 239 249 259 261 Section 11: Pollinator Pantry Section 12: Community Outreach Section 13: What’s Next? Closing Remarks References Appendix A – Methodology Appendix B – Pollinator Species Catalog Appendix C – Plant Associations Appendix D – Outreach Materials Appendix E – Best Practices Checklist Appendix F – Pollinator Planting Signs Appendix G – Additional Resources Plan Contents Source: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community

Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Acknowledgements 1 City of Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development Thomas Galligani, Executive Director Public Space & Urban Forestry: Luisa Oliveira, ASLA, Director Vanessa Boukili, PhD, MCA, Senior Urban Forestry & Landscape Planner Alison Maurer, ASLA, SPAP Project Manager, Planner of Ecological Restoration Arn Franzen, ASLA, Senior Project Manager Jon Bronenkant, ASLA, Senior Planner Estello Raganit, PLA, Senior Planner Meg Koglin, ASLA, Public Space Planner Malik Drayton, MQTW, ISA, Urban Forestry & Landscape Planner Department of Public Works Jill Lathan, DPW Commissioner Eric Weisman, Director of Operations Ben Waldrip, Superintendent of Grounds Cary Breck Miller, Tree Warden Consultant Team Offshoots Kate Kennen, FASLA, Principal Shelby Chapman-Hale, RLA, Project Manager Elizabeth Quintero Cristian Umaña Jack Beresford Anastasia Sotos Alyssa Taylor Ecologist Dr. Nicholas Dorian Community Engagement Specialist Harry Harding, Conditioning Leaders Special Thanks Expert Interviewees Dr. Avalon C.S. Owens, Harvard University, Owens Lab Dr. Kass Urban-Mead, Xerces Society Kelly Gill, Xerces Society Dr. Richard Primack, Boston University Dr. Rosemary Malfi, Xerces Society Dr. Susannah Lerman, UMass Amherst Project Committee Current members Tori Antonino, Representative of Somerville Urban Forestry Committee Lisa Brukilacchio, Non-Profit Group Representative, Somerville Community Growing Center Michael Fager, Representative of the Somerville Conservation Commission Alejandra Narváez, General Community Member Jack Perenick, Youth Member Renée Scott, General Community Member Cynthia Stillinger, Non-Profit Group Representative, Somerville Garden Club Alternates and Past Committee Members David Falk Cortney Kirk, RLA, ASLA Anna Mateo Amy Mertl Claire O’Neill Judith L. Schotland Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Acknowledgements Source: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community

2 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | 3 Letter from the Mayor Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Letter from the Mayor M a y o r K a t j a n a B a l l a n t y n e Volunteers converting a portion of the lawn outside of City Hall into a pollinator habitat demonstration garden, June 2024. Photograph by: Cristian Umaña, Offshoots.

WHY POLLINATORS? Section 1 Photo Source: BioBee, biobee.com

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | 7 Why Pollinators Why Pollinators? This Plan is a guide for creating a healthier home for pollinators in Somerville. In response to the worldwide biodiversity crisis, this document envisions a city that fosters nature in and among existing urban development—including residential yards, private developments, schools, and public parks. Before exploring the actions necessary to address these goals, we must understand the questions at the root of this crisis. This section will provide a primer on pollinators, explain why they are so valuable, and what is at stake if the pressures they face are not addressed. What are pollinators and pollination? Animals such as bees, beetles, and butterflies move between flowers to find food (nectar). In the process of moving between flowers, animals can transfer tiny grains of pollen from one flower to another. These animals are pollinators and this animal-mediated pollination results in fertilization of the plant and the production of seeds. Animals play a vital role in the reproduction of nearly 90% of flowering plants (Ollerton et al., 2011). Somerville is home to many species of pollinators that can be divided into six broad groups: bees, wasps, butterflies and moths, hover flies, beetles, and birds. For the purposes of this Plan, we considered pollinators to be flower-visiting animals that have the capacity to transfer pollen between flowers. Within these categories are a wide range of species with specific needs to keep their populations healthy. Why are pollinators important? What did you have for lunch? One-third of the food you ate likely needed animal pollination to reach your plate (Xerces, 2024 -a). A reduction in pollinator populations directly impacts the plants you eat. It also impacts agricultural systems that rely on pollination for their crops, including those that feed livestock (Xerces, n.d. -a). Most people think of non-native honey bees as important crop pollinators, but countless other animals are also responsible for your nutritious (and colorful) diet, such as solitary bees, bumble bees, and hoverflies. In fact, scientists have found that “wild” pollinators are equally, if not more, vital to pollinating our agricultural crops as honey bees (Garibaldi, L.A. et al., 2013). For example, we can thank squash bees (Peponapis pruinosa) for the pumpkins we carve on Halloween. The squash bee is a solitary bee whose diet and habitat depend on squashes, gourds, and pumpkins (Shephard et al., 2024). This bee species is very effective at pollinating squash fields; without it, squash production would plummet even with the introduction of non-native honey bees. Squash bees are an irreplaceable pollinator for farms (Tepedino, 1981). We also need pollinators to support other wildlife. Wild animals, including popular urban species like songbirds, rely on insects (including pollinators) for sustenance. Many feed directly on those insects or on the foods resulting from their pollination. Research indicates that 80% of birds studied rely on caterpillars to feed their young (Kennedy, 2019). Some species of birds, including the downy woodpecker native to Somerville, need thousands of caterpillars to reach adulthood (Lawrence, 1967). The absence of insects and pollinators in our ecosystem can trigger a bottom-up biodiversity collapse that topples food chains and causes other animals to go extinct (Carrington, 2019; Sánchez- Bayo & Wyckhuys, 2019). 6 Why Pollinators? One out of every three bites of food requires pollination including blueberries which are native to the northeast. Images Sou Photo Source: Robert F. Bukaty/AP, https://www.mainepublic.org Key Ideas: • There is a global biodiversity crisis. • If the current trend continues, there could be a 30% decline in insects in the next 20 years. • Pollinators are flower-visiting animals that have the capacity to transfer pollen between flowers. • Pollinators include bees, butterflies, moths, flies, wasps, beetles, and birds. • Nearly 90% of flowering plants need pollinators for reproduction. • One-third of the food you ate today likely needed animal pollination to reach your plate. • Changes in urban areas like Somerville can make a difference.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan 8 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | 9 Why Pollinators Why Pollinators? Pollinators also support plant diversity: nearly 90% of flowering plants rely on animals (compared to wind or water) for pollination and cannot reproduce without pollinators (Ollerton et al., 2011). The resilience of our ecosystems requires biodiversity. When one or two species dominate plant communities and ecosystems, they become vulnerable to disease and pest outbreaks, which can lead to the infection of all organisms in that species. A variety of species can slow and prevent disease transmission, minimizing the impact of disease outbreaks. Protecting diverse pollinator populations supports diverse plant communities and this is essential to healthy and resilient ecosystems. In addition to playing a vital role in our food and ecological web, pollinators also provide many other human benefits, including joy! Have you watched a butterfly flit between gardens, or seen a bumble bee harvesting nectar? When a ladybug lands on our arm and our friend says it’s good luck, we are interacting with a pollinator and insect network. These moments spark happiness and wonder in people of all ages. Why are pollinators in decline? Around the world, insect pollinators are declining in both species and population abundance. North America has had a more than 28% decline in native bumble bees, and 19% of our butterflies are at risk of extinction (Ollerton, 2011). If the current trend continues, there could be a 30% decline in insects in the next 20 years (Xerces, n.d. -a). Scientists widely attribute this trend to habitat loss and fragmentation, pesticide use, land care practices, light pollution, invasive species, and climate change.  Several studies have shown sharp declines in some species of bumble bees and butterflies across the United States over the past several decades. However, these same studies also report that other species have either remained stable or increased in abundance over the same time period. This pattern—that some species of insects have responded negatively to environmental change, and others have responded positively—means that it will be most impactful to consider the food and shelter needs of both abundant generalist species (species that visit a variety of plant species and are not reliant on a specific species for survival) and at-risk species. Providing resources for all species is the safest path forward in the face of an uncertain future. Our understanding of insect population decline is not balanced across all groups of pollinators. Whereas we have a good grasp on the declines of bumble bees and butterflies, we have a relatively poor understanding of the population trajectories of moths, wasps, hover flies, and beetles. This is because of a lack of long-term data on their occurrences and the difficulty of interpreting long-term natural history data collections. Due to their colorful appearance and presence, bees and butterflies have acted as charismatic symbols of pollinators that are appealing to monitor. To better understand population patterns of other pollinator types, we must increase the cultural recognition of those species. This Plan establishes a current baseline of research on Somerville’s pollinators and outlines how to collect data in the future. For a deeper understanding of this topic, refer to Section 3: Pollinators in Decline. Can an urban area support pollinators? Yes, it can, and we need to act on a city-scale! Landscapes are resilient. For pollinator habitats, small interventions can very quickly have a positive cumulative effect especially when they begin to build a network of support. Even in Somerville, a city that ranks as the most densely populated municipality in New England and the 19th most dense municipality in the country (Massachusetts Municipal Association, 2024), private gardens and trees, public parks, green infrastructure, and street trees can provide significant habitat for pollinators. Both public and private lands need to be an important part of the solution. In Somerville, most of the land is privately owned (nearly half is residential), therefore private landowners must be an important part of the equation (City of Somerville, 2021). With guidance from horticulturalists, entomologists, conservation biologists, ecological landscapers, and city planners, this Plan’s recommendations will help community members make a significant impact even with actions that seem small in scale. This Plan offers advice on city-wide planning initiatives, new plantings, and ongoing long-term maintenance techniques to maximize pollinator benefits. Small steps like choosing diverse native plants, reducing light use, and avoiding pesticides can contribute to a thriving, interconnected, public and private urban ecosystem. The Somerville Pollinator Action Plan can serve as a blueprint for our densely populated city to build ecosystem resilience and civic responsibility. Somerville is a very densely developed and populated city where the collective actions of individuals can make a difference for local pollinators. CAMBRIDGE SOMERVILLE Photo Source: Nick Allen, https://www.oregonmetro.gov/news/ugb-101-everything-you- wanted-know-about-urban-growth-boundary-were-afraid-ask

HOW TO USE THIS PLAN Section 2 Photograph by: Cristian Umaña, Offshoots

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan How To Use This Plan Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | How To Use This Plan 13 This Plan is written for everyone in Somerville. We can all play a role in supporting pollinators. Homeowners, renters, business owners, developers, landscaping companies, the Department of Public Works (DPW), City officials, other public landowners (Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), etc.), academics, colleges, schools, and kids can make a difference with small actions that can be taken now. The Plan is broken down below to find the information most relevant for you. Plan Overview This Plan includes many resources and recommendations for action. Here is an overview of what you will find: Section 3: Pollinators in Decline An introduction to the global factors causing the worldwide decline of insects. This analysis directly informs the Plan’s recommendations to support pollinator populations in the long term. Section 4: Plan Goals A description of the Somerville Pollinator Action Plan’s specific goals. Section 5: Somerville’s Pollinators An in-depth analysis of Somerville and the region’s current pollinator species where they live, and how the data was collected. This section also includes information on which plants these pollinators visit most. Section 6: General Recommendations General actions the Somerville community can take to support pollinators and a deeper explanation of the rationale for each. The recommendations are broken down into three groups: - Planting recommendations - Landscape maintenance / management recommendations - Non-landscape recommendations Section 7: Private Space Recommendations A short list of targeted suggestions for homeowners, renters, business owners, developers, and general citizens. Section 8: Landscape Services Recommendations Suggested maintenance routine changes for landscaping companies, DPW, janitors, and other entities offering landscaping services. Section 9: Public Space and Policy Recommendations A list of targeted actions the City (and other owners of public land in Somerville) can take to support pollinators, including: - A ranking framework for prioritizing new plantings - Public tree planting recommendations - Policy suggestions 12 How To Use This Plan A monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) visiting a Joe-pye weed flower. • WHY are pollinators at risk? Section 3: Pollinators in Decline, p. 17 • WHO are the pollinators in Somerville? Section 5: Somerville’s Pollinators, p. 33 • Manage a bit of private land? (renters, homeowners, employees, business owners, property managers, & developers) Section 7: Private Space Recommendations, p. 111 • Work in the landscaping industry? Section 8: Landscaping Recommendations, p. 117 • City staff or public official: Section 9: Public Space and Policy, p. 123 • Non-profits, schools, colleges, teens, and kids: Section 10: Recommendations for Learning, p. 139 Key Sections:

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan How To Use This Plan 14 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | How To Use This Plan 15 Planting Recipe Cards The recipe cards include a wide variety of pre-planned garden designs that can be planted to support pollinators. All designs are backed by data on pollinator-flower interactions to maximize the value of each design. They are suited for a variety of home and landscape contexts. The recipe card scale ranges from Pollinator Pots (for patios and porches) to Pollinator Patches (scaled up in size to include trees and shrubs) for entire backyard conversions. Various specialty garden designs are provided, including pollinator bioswales, edible plantings, fence line designs, and tree medians for City implementation. Recommendations are also provided for converting lawns to native grasses and flowers that better support pollinators. The planting designs are arranged by color, solar exposure (amount of sun), soil condition (dry or wet), and consider Somerville’s specific urban conditions (like rabbits, road salt, and urban soils). The planting designs also consider aesthetics to ensure the gardens look attractive in all seasons. Comprehensive Plant List For those who would like to develop their own designs, there is a comprehensive list of all the plant species found to support native pollinators in Somerville. This searchable Excel plant database includes aesthetic characteristics, preferred growing conditions, and specifically identifies which pollinators each plant supports. Appendix F - Pollinator Planting Signs Signage is an effective way to communicate ideas and promote change. Signs can educate the public about the benefits of pollinator-friendly gardens and inspire others to take similar actions, fostering a community- wide effort to protect pollinators. Sample signs are included and display a QR code linked to more information on the Somerville Pollinator Action Plan and ways to get involved. Section 12: Community Outreach A summary of the outreach done during the development of this Plan and the findings to date. It also includes recommendations for future outreach and Plan promotion strategies. Section 13: What’s Next? Includes an outline of actions and suggestions for keeping the momentum of this project in the years to come. These are just some of the highlights of this Plan. Read on to learn so much more. Local Ecological Base-Plant Communities Using locally observed natural plant communities as a guide, these lists provide a starting point for anyone interested in building habitat based on known local plant communities. These plants have evolved together and are often found growing in natural areas in and around Somerville. Plant Lists by Pollinator The Plan identifies six pollinator ‘mascots’ that community members can look for to monitor our city’s progress. The Plan includes information on these species including specific plant lists to best attract and support each pollinating insect mascot. A supplemental ‘Meet Your (Insect) Neighbors’ video series providing instructions on how to identify these species can be viewed on the Somerville Pollinator Action Plan’s SomerVoice page. Section 10: Recommendations for Learning A list of resources and educational tools for nonprofits, schools, colleges, young adults, and kids! Section 11: Pollinator Pantry A toolbox of planting resources that anyone can use to make changes in the landscape to support pollinators. It includes: Top Pollinator Interaction Plant Lists These are the top Somerville-specific trees, shrubs, and perennials that you can use to bring pollinators to your landscape and support the full life cycle of local pollinators. Plant these to start building habitat on your site or swap out your existing plants with species on these lists to better support pollinators. Many pollinators, including this eastern carpenter bee (Xylocopa virginica), flock to native Clethra alnifolia. Refer to the Pollinator Pantry and Comprehensive Plant List for other plants that benefit pollinators.

POLLINATORS IN DECLINE Section 3 Photograph by: Dr. Nicholas Dorian

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinators in Decline Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinators in Decline 19 Pollinators are in decline worldwide. This loss is largely attributed to habitat loss and fragmentation, pesticide use, typical landscape maintenance practices, artificial light at night (light pollution), invasive plant species, and climate change. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation The loss of continuous natural areas is one result of development, especially in dense urban areas like Somerville. Rural areas experience similar impacts from suburban sprawl and large agricultural systems. Historically diverse landscapes have been replanted with a simplified list of species such as lawn grasses and non-native foundation plants, which provide few benefits to pollinating animals. The result is a fragmented network of habitat patches that isolate native pollinator species from the resources they need and prevent important interspecies interactions. Pollinators forage for resources, seeking nectar, pollen, host plant leaves and nesting materials from their surrounding environment. Travel between food sources and nesting sites varies between species from as little as a few hundred yards to a half mile or more. In order to ensure pollinators have the resources they need to survive, it is critical to consider resource corridor connectivity (Threats & Conservation Efforts, n.d.). Organisms that have more specialized habitat needs and/or occupy higher trophic levels (see Key Term) are more sensitive to land use change. For example, birds that rely on the availability of insects as a food source (including in their larval form such as caterpillars) are also in decline. This decline may be linked to the decrease in insects’ habitat due to development or the use of non-native species (Tallamy & Shriver, 2021). Additionally, many insect species require specific host plants to reproduce and survive. If these species are not in reach, the insects can disappear from our local ecosystem. These ‘specialist’ species need to be carefully considered along with the ‘generalist’ species (those that can utilize many types of plants) in urban contexts where habitat fragmentation is the norm rather than the exception. Pesticide Use Conventional landscape management often involves the use of pesticides (herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides) to keep properties weed- and insect-free. One of the most popularly used insecticide classes in the United States, neonicotinoids (neonics), is a “systemic” synthetic chemical. Once sprayed onto any part of a plant, it is absorbed into the plant tissue and spreads throughout the entire organism. This makes all parts of the plant highly toxic to insects that attempt to collect nectar, pollen, or other resources from the plant (Hopwood et al., 2016). Insects that come into contact with a plant treated with neonicotinoids experience “uncontrollable shaking and twitching followed by paralysis before eventually dying” (Lindwall, 2022). Alarmingly, it was discovered in the last decade that the standard neonic levels of just one corn seed have enough chemical active ingredient to kill over 200,000 bees (European Food Safety Authority, 2013). The extended presence of neonicotinoids in plants raises a cause for alarm because the plant remains toxic long after application, killing any insects that come in contact with it. Importantly, 51% of plants labeled for sale as bee-friendly species at major U.S. retailers are found Key Term: Trophic Levels The different levels in a food chain or food web, where each level represents a step in the flow of energy and nutrients (e.g., a parasite who depends on a host, a predator who depends on prey). 18 Pollinators in Decline Pesticides, which historically have been widely used in the nursery trade, by landscape practicioners and private land owners, pose a major threat to insects. Photo Source: Nursery & Floriculture News, UC ANR • Habitat loss, pesticide use, landscape maintenance, light pollution, invasive species, and climate change are causing pollinator population declines. • Fragmented urban habitats isolate pollinators from essential resources. • Pesticides like neonicotinoids are a large problem. • Common landscaping practices, such as mulching, frequent mowing, and leaf blowing destroy nesting sites. • Outdoor lighting and ambient light from buildings and streets disrupt pollinators. • Climate change exacerbates population challenges, causing changes in plant and animal timing and ecological mismatches. Key Ideas:

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinators in Decline 20 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinators in Decline 21 to contain toxic levels of neonicotinoids at levels substantially higher than the maximum approved level for agricultural crops (Friends of the Earth, 2014; Malfi, 2024). In addition, the extended presence of active chemicals in pesticides results in contamination of water systems due to water runoff carrying soil particles exposed to and imbued with neonics (Lindwall, 2022). It is beneficial for many reasons to avoid using all pesticides, but especially neonicotinoids, as well as avoiding purchasing plants that have been treated with neonicotinoids. Ask your local plant nursery what they carry that is neonic free. Landscape Maintenance Practices Many urban landscapes consist of lawns, non-native plants, and mulched plant beds which are not rich habitats for pollinators. Additionally, typical landscaping practices like frequent mowing remove flowers (essential nectar and pollen sources). This reduces floral diversity and habitat quality (Lerman et al., 2023). Other common practices, such as leaf blowing, cutting perennials back in the fall, and applying bark mulch to plant beds, minimize how valuable these spaces are for pollinator nesting habitat in already-limited urban green areas. Artificial Light at Night In urban environments like Somerville, the amount of artificial light at night presents a significant challenge for pollinators. Artificial light sources, such as streetlamps or patio lights, and diffuse skyglow (light from nearby cities) negatively impact the foraging and reproductive behavior of nocturnal insects and pollinators. Those behavior changes are documented as insects perching underneath lights for “unclear reasons… stunned,” or circling “around (the light source) until claimed by injury, exhaustion, or predation,” (Owens, et al., 2020). On a broader scale, artificial light can impede large-scale migration patterns and increase competition for resources if insects that typically only forage during the day start foraging at night (Owens, et al., 2020). Research suggests that one-third of insects attracted to artificial light sources will die from exhaustion or predation before the morning. In addition, the presence of artificial light sources delays or eliminates the window of reproduction for some pollinators and insects, such as moths and firefly beetles (Owens, et al., 2020). These changes in behavior cause phenological mismatches (see Key Term) where the timing of natural events in the life cycles of interdependent species (like flowering in plants and pollination by insects) no longer align. This results in lasting effects on food webs, pollination, and species interactions. In cities such as Somerville where residents depend on public lights for safe transportation, following dark sky practices is a good first step at reducing light pollution. Invasive and Non-Native Species Invasive plant species are plants not historically present in a region (non- native) that reproduce independently, invade natural or disturbed areas, and outcompete native plants (Threats to Pollinators, n.d.). Invasive species are defined by their harmful impact on a local ecosystem; a plant native to one region may be invasive in another. Native plants and the specialist pollinators who forage from them have evolved together over thousands of years. Non-native and invasive species can negatively impact these pollinators. As native plants are displaced or damaged by invasive non-native species, specialist pollinators’ vital Key Term: Phenology The study of the timing of natural events in the life cycles of plants and animals (e.g., when a flower blooms in relation to when an insect emerges in spring). Photo Source: NASA Earth Observatory Large areas of the U.S. light up at night. Can you find the Greater Boston area? Refer to Section 5 for more information on artificial light at night in Somerville.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinators in Decline 22 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinators in Decline 23 Despite the factors contributing to insect decline, planning for the future is not a lost cause. Landscapes are resilient, and vegetative cover and plant composition can change quickly, especially in a city with an invested community. Individual residents can act on the information available and immediately see the results of even small contributions. Read on for the overall goals this Plan is striving to meet. including habitat loss and creating more desirable conditions for the spread of invasive species. As climate change continues to alter weather patterns, pollinators face altered phenology (i.e., the timing of when plants flower in relationship to animal activities), changes in species interactions, changes in metabolism and physiological responses, and other combined stressors (Laws et al., 2019). In just the past few years, scientists in Massachusetts observed five species of butterflies in flight “significantly earlier” than decades ago (Polgar et al., 2013). A different study conducted locally at Walden Pond in 2013 noted that many plants flowered two weeks earlier than they had 160 years ago when compared with Henry David Thoreau’s careful observations (Ellwood et al., 2013). These examples illustrate the potential for ecological mismatches where an insect’s emergence/activity timeline might not match up with the necessary window of a plant’s growth (Primack, 2024). If insects that rely on early-season flowers emerge too late after plants flower, they face a lack of critical resources. Disruptions to migration patterns result in difficulty finding resources not only for pollinators and insects but also for migrating birds that rely on these insects as food sources in areas. In Somerville, this is compounded by the impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation reviewed previously. Climate impacts are pressuring human residents of Somerville as well. According to data available from First Street Foundation, Somerville could potentially see 35 days with temperatures above 90 degrees and 15 days above 97 degrees by the year 2054 (First Street Foundation, 2024). The Somerville Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment (2017, updated in 2023) identified potential climate risks and priorities throughout the city (see Figure 1). Large areas (especially in Wards One and Two) were identified as “high heat exposure, economic impact & vulnerable population neighborhoods.” These areas should be prioritized for creative, long-term planning solutions to address both human cooling and wildlife needs. This Plan explores how new plantings can help mitigate the impacts of the changing climate and support the city’s pollinators. resources diminish. As an example, the City of Somerville, alongside community groups like the Somerville Garden Club and the Cambridge Pod Patrol, is working to combat the spread of one invasive species: black swallow-wort (Cynachum louiseae), aka BSW. Originally native to Europe, today BSW is found throughout Somerville. It is a member of the same plant family as native milkweeds but spreads aggressively. While native milkweeds are a food source for the caterpillars of monarch butterflies, the toxins present in BSW are a “threat to [the monarch butterflies’] survival” (Somerville Garden Club, 2018). Due to the similarities between milkweed and black swallow-wort, monarchs sometimes lay their eggs on BSW, but the larvae cannot survive on these plants due to toxin levels in the leaves. This tricky invasive plant is just one example of the negative impact invasive species can have on the local ecosystem. Preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species begins with educating ourselves, our community, and our plant nurseries on the species that are invasive in our area. The Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group (MIPAG) maintains lists of plants that are currently, likely, or potentially invasive. Nurseries may still sell invasive or aggressive non-native species that displace native plants. We may not even realize it! It is up to the consumer to choose wisely and ask questions of nursery staff to determine if a plant is suitable for Somerville. Climate Change Climate change has led to acute changes in temperature, precipitation, humidity, and the frequency of extreme weather events. These dynamics pose an alarming danger to pollinators by exacerbating existing threats Figure 1: Key priorities for the City of Somerville as identified in the Somerville Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment, 2017. Black swallow-wort (Cynanchum louiseae) is one of several invasive plants commonly found in Somerville. For more information on this plant and how to join the “Pod Patrol” refer to the Somerville Garden Club flyer in Appendix G. For additional information on Somerville-specific invasive species, visit the City of Somerville’s invasive species page.

PLAN GOALS Section 4 Photograph by: Cristian Umaña, Offshoots

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Plan Goals Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Plan Goals 27 The primary goal of this Plan is to support pollinator populations in Somerville and prevent future habitat decline. The Somerville Pollinator Action Plan (SPAP) strives to achieve the following: 1. Create more habitat in the city At the core of this Plan is the need to establish more habitat for pollinators. In the face of global insect decline, providing food and nesting resources is the most substantial impact Somerville can make. This is a directive for all who live and work in this city as we need all hands on deck. To achieve this goal, the Plan identifies beneficial species to plant on private and public property, landscape maintenance practices that support pollinators, and methods to inspire and educate the public to reach as many people as possible. 2. Provide places for pollinators and people In urban areas, gardens designed for pollinators hold immense value, not only for the insects and birds they support but also for the people who interact with these spaces. Fostering an aesthetic appreciation of them encourages public engagement and a deeper connection to the urban outdoor environment. When residents engage with and appreciate these spaces, they are more likely to support and advocate for their preservation and expansion, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits both pollinators and the broader ecosystem. Integrating environmentally beneficial elements into human-centric landscapes can be challenging if the resulting appearance does not align with aesthetic expectations. Plantings that are ‘naturalistic’ often let some plants reproduce spontaneously. The plants move around and these naturalistic gardens in public parks are sometimes associated with looking ‘unkempt” and “neglected.” This often prompts complaints to Somerville’s 311 system. To address this challenge, the Plan provides a balanced approach to both public and private plantings. Ideas for naturalistic plantings (for those who appreciate or are comfortable with more organic styles that allow plants to move around) are proposed alongside planting designs that prioritize conventional garden aesthetics and may look more formal or “designed.” The Pollinator Pantry section of this Plan provides designs that cater to both audiences. Both of these types of gardens contribute to the ecological functioning of the city; each includes a base matrix of locally native plant species with high ecological value that can thrive within the urban environment. Repeating the base matrix of low-maintenance, locally native plants across the city creates an urban ecological network that supports pollinators and encourages community recognition of their appearance and value. Over time, as more people become comfortable with more naturalistic pollinator habitat gardens (i.e., wilder spontaneous gardens, less mulch, with dead plant stalks and old wood left for nesting) more people may begin to appreciate the beauty in naturalistic planting styles and embrace a different aesthetic. 26 Plan Goals The bicolored striped sweat bee (Agapostemon virescens) is a native bee found in Somerville. See Section 5 to learn more about this bee species. 1. Create more habitat in the city 2. Provide places for pollinators and people 3. Increase pollinator diversity and abundance 4. Encourage pollinator patches and corridors 5. Simultaneously work toward other citywide goals 6. Educate and inspire 7. Easy to use 8. Realistic, actionable, and measurable 9. Regional model and shared municipal resource Key Goals:

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Plan Goals 28 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Plan Goals 29 3. Increase pollinator diversity and abundance across all wards This Plan aims to increase pollinator diversity and abundance through the establishment of habitat, as described above, not just in one or two areas but across all of Somerville. Pollinator species can be broadly categorized as either 1) generalists that use resources from a wide range of plants or 2) specialists who rely on specific plant(s) to complete their life cycle. To ensure Plan recommendations meet the needs of all local pollinator species, there is a focus on providing the necessary resources for both generalist and specialist species. Furthermore, to meet the needs of insects who travel only short distances over their lifetime, this Plan strives to increase the number of pollinators and species diversity across the whole city. Information and resources are needed to equip citizen scientists to report their findings across all wards and identify if Somerville is meeting this goal. 4. Encourage pollinator patches and corridors Different pollinators forage for resources at different scales, varying from several hundred feet to hundreds of miles over their life span. It is important to provide safe and healthy systems to support these broad populations. Even small patches of new habitat can make important impacts when evenly distributed throughout an area (Donkersley et al., 2022). Establishing continuous habitat patches (or patches at strategic distances from each other) builds pollinator-friendly corridors that are crucial for some pollinator’s survival. These connected ecosystems support a wider range of diverse species and build ecological resilience to the impacts of climate change. Green corridors in urban zones offer food resources, foraging opportunities, larval host sites, and shelter that may be lacking in surrounding areas. This Plan encourages every citizen to help build a citywide network of habitat and provides suggestions for ongoing monitoring to keep an eye on which areas of the city may need future habitat prioritization. 5. Simultaneously work toward other citywide environmental and social goals The City of Somerville has defined many progressive social and environmental goals as part of City planning efforts, including, but not limited to: Climate Forward (Community Climate Action Plan), the Urban Forest Management Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Green Score, Open Space and Recreation Plan, Tree Preservation Ordinance, Vegetated Roof Ordinance (10.3.8) and the Native Species Ordinance. The Somerville Pollinator Action Plan seeks to complement the goals defined in these other plans. A few of these goals are emphasized here: Citywide Environmental Goals Increase Native Plant Biodiversity Urban areas pose significant threats to species and ecosystems, but they also have the potential to offer a diverse array of unconventional habitats that support the native biodiversity of plants and animals. Intentional design and maintenance can ensure that cities retain native biodiversity and provide habitat to a range of species. Pollinator gardens aim to support a wide range of animals and plants that can increase biodiversity throughout the city. Cooling the City New pollinator-forward green spaces, with their diverse vegetation that include trees, can increase shade and enhance evapotranspiration, which in turn lowers surrounding air temperatures. Evapotranspiration is the process by which water moves from the land to the atmosphere. It involves two steps: evaporation, where water turns into vapor from surfaces like soil, water bodies, and plants; and transpiration, where plants release water vapor from their leaves. Together, these processes take heat from the environment. By reducing urban heat, pollinator gardens not only provide critical habitat for pollinators but also improve outdoor comfort for city residents (Shah, 2020). Citywide Social Goals Increase and Enhance Access to Open Space for Residents As of 2024, the City of Somerville has just under 80,000 residents living in 4.12 square miles, making it the most densely populated municipality in New England (Massachusetts Municipal Association, 2024). Somerville includes 174.3 acres of open space currently, which equates to 9.5 sq ft of open space per resident. Recommendations on how to use that space must consider the needs of residents alongside any ecologically driven goals, including pollinator habitat. This is especially important in areas identified by the state as Environmental Justice neighborhoods. These areas experienced significant disinvestment in the past and access to environmentally rich open space must be prioritized in the future. The four-toothed mason wasp (Monobia quadridens).

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Plan Goals 30 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Plan Goals 31 6. Educate and inspire Everyone (from City staff to residents) is at different levels of familiarity with pollinator insects. Many people dislike interacting with them, fear being stung, and may not want to encourage their presence near parks or playgrounds. However, many pollinators are not able to sting and most are unlikely to. Education about pollinators and teaching residents about the wonders of our local ecology is critical to the success of this Plan. For relevant information on this topic, please see Section 6 for stinging insect and allergy awareness tips. 7. Easy to use This Plan intends to meet users where they are. Community members can access tips for why, how, and what to do to make a difference with or without access to a garden. Section 11: Pollinator Pantry includes a wealth of easy-to-use resources, including lists of the top plants and pre-planned garden designs for a wide range of site conditions. These planting plans use a grid system to help new gardeners install the planting design easily. The Appendices include additional ready-to- use resources like SPAP branded signage for pollinator plantings and concise and clear maintenance infographics to help gardeners of all levels improve pollinator habitat throughout the city. Additional resources and documentation from the development of this plan are available to all on the SPAP SomerVoice page. There you also find an easy-to-read brochure that distills down the whole plan for those who just want to read the key takeaways and a list of all the website links used throughout the Plan. 8. Realistic, actionable, & measurable To be as beneficial as possible, this Plan seeks to provide not only the best practices for pollinators but also realistic, actionable items for private and public spaces in the short and long term. The Plan identifies the current state of pollinators, opportunities for implementation, limitations and challenges, and provides recommendations for ongoing monitoring to measure the success of this work. 9. Regional model and shared municipal resource This innovative and broad-reaching Plan was curated to meet the needs of Somerville’s pollinators and guide City of Somerville staff and residents, but it can be used as a model for other urban communities to create a pollinator action plan in their area. The General Recommendations, ‘Pollinator Pantry’, and Comprehensive Plant List are all publicly available documents that can be used to develop pollinator habitats in this region. The replicable methodology used to understand the species present in Somerville can be found in Appendix A to create custom plans in other municipalities. Photograph by: Tori Antonino, SPAP Committee Member An American lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis) visiting a Monarda fistulosa.

SOMERVILLE’S POLLINATORS Section 5 Photograph by: Dr. Nicholas Dorian

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 35 Somerville Pollinators 101 Six categories of pollinators are found in Somerville: bees, butterflies and moths, wasps, flies, beetles, and birds. Each category can be further divided into individual species with their unique active periods, habitat needs, and plant associations. It is beneficial to learn the basics about each overarching category before diving into which species live in Somerville. Refer to Appendices A-C for associated figures. 1. Bees Bees (Hymenoptera) are among the most important pollinators in temperate ecosystems. As a group, they are vegetarian—pollen provides protein and nectar provides carbohydrates. Most people are familiar with a single species, the European honey bee (Apis mellifera), but Massachusetts has recorded nearly 400 species of bees (Veit et al., 2022). Native bees are incredibly diverse in size, shape, color, and habitat needs. Some, like bumble bees, are social and build a nest that requires food resources throughout the entire year. Others are solitary, meaning a single female builds one nest. Solitary bee species are typically active for only a few weeks each year, coinciding with suitable floral resources. Some solitary bees are highly specialized in their floral needs. These pollen specialists depend on one or a few plants for pollen throughout their lives. 2. Butterflies/Moths Butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) are conspicuous flower visitors in Somerville, even if their value as pollinators is not as substantial as bees. As a group, flower-visiting butterflies and moths consume nectar as adults. As larvae, butterflies and moths consume vegetation such as leaves and flower buds. The plants that provide these early development resources for larvae are known as “host plants.” Approximately 60% of moths and butterflies in this region depend on specific host plants (Forister et al., 2014). Their needs can vary from highly restrictive, such as a particular genus of plants, to moderately restrictive, like a family of host plants. For instance, black swallowtails require umbellifers (Apiaceae) or violets (Viola), while many skipper butterflies can feed on a wide variety of grasses (Poaceae). Other Lepidoptera are less restricted: some moths eat the leaves of woody plants (e.g., Prunus, Quercus, Fraxinus, Vaccinium); others consume various garden plants like corn, peppers, and legumes. Most butterflies are day-flying, while most moths are night-flying, but exceptions exist. Some hawkmoths in the family Sphingidae are day-flying and are quite the sight on flowers. 3. Wasps Wasps (Hymenoptera) are often overlooked as pollinators, but they are some of the most common flower visitors during the summer months in Somerville. Adult wasps visit flowers for nectar, which serves as a primary food source and fuels hunting and nest construction. As adults, wasps are herbivores, obtaining their nutrition from flower nectar. As larvae they are carnivorous, feeding on paralyzed insects. Most wasp species in Somerville are solitary, meaning a single female builds and provisions her own nest. Like bees, solitary wasps either nest below ground (such as digger wasps, Sphex) or above ground (such as grass-carrying wasps, Isodontia). Solitary wasps can seek highly specialized insect prey. In contrast, other wasp species hunt diverse insects such as crickets, spiders, flies, and even bees. 4. Flies Flies (Diptera) are also typically overlooked as pollinators. In particular, hover flies (Syrphidae) are excellent pollinators of crops and wild plants. Many species of hover flies have a similar appearance to wasps and bees, with black and yellow striping. This superb mimicry is thought to make the flies less appealing to predators who avoid stinging insects with black and yellow stripes. But flies cannot sting! Flies tend to visit flowers with shallow floral parts, where they feed on nectar and pollen. Some adults lay eggs on leaves where the larvae consume aphids. Others lay eggs in rotting wood or shallow ponds where larvae develop. 34 Somerville’s Pollinators Pollinator observations in iNaturalist, eBird, EWA & Tuft’s databases were aggregated and analyzed for bees, butterflies, moths, wasps, flies, beetles, and birds. • 299 pollinator species were identified in Somerville. • 543 pollinator species were identified regionally. • 18 species of at-risk butterflies and moths were observed in the region. • Somerville’s pollinators are active from March through October. • Highest existing species richness was observed in Wards 3, 5, and 6. Lowest in Wards 1,2, and 4. • See page 79 for a list of the plants that pollinators were observed interacting with the most. Key Ideas:

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 36 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 37 Table 1: Pollinator Observations Source: iNaturalist eBird Earthwise Aware (EwA) Tufts Pollinator Initiative (TPI) Years: 13 3 1 1 Observers: 267 7 22* 2 Records: 7081 8 423 1885 Type of Data: Opportunistic crowd-sourced observations Provides time and date of observations Opportunistic crowd-sourced observations Repeated visits to focal areas by trained volunteers Provides insect-plant interaction identification Record absences during winter months Repeated surveys of 4 focal gardens by scientists Provides insect-plant interaction identification *Includes 5-11 regular observers as well as single-day guest observers 5. Beetles Beetles (Coleoptera) are among the oldest lineages of pollinators. Some of the showiest pollinators are the longhorn beetles, which have slender bodies and distinctively long antennae. Beetles are often attracted to white flowers with an intense, musty fragrance such as viburnums, dogwoods, ninebark, elderberry, and wild roses. When they land on flowers, they move slowly and chew flower parts as they seek resources. Their offspring tend to develop underground or in rotting wood. 6. Birds The most visible bird pollinator in Somerville is the ruby-throated hummingbird. Orioles and some warblers also visit flowers opportunistically. Tiny ruby-throated hummingbirds visit flowers for nectar to sustain their fast flight, feeding often as they burn through their fuel quickly. They have co-evolved with nectar-rich native plant species such as red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), which provides energy for their northward migration in May, and cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), which fuels their southbound migration in August and September. Hummingbirds also rely on insects, especially during nesting season. These charismatic pollinators are not seen as often in Somerville as some other pollinators, but they can be spotted during spring and fall migration. Pollinators Included in this Plan Since the term pollinator is rooted in ecological function rather than taxonomy, the project team developed the list of pollinators for this Somerville Pollinator Action Plan to be as inclusive as possible. Species were added to Somerville’s pollinator list if they could potentially serve as pollinators (i.e., observed on a flower). They were omitted from our list if no record of flower visitation could be found. That said, there are likely many additional flower-visiting insects in Somerville that could act as pollinators, there is simply no data on their flower visitation. Pollinator Species Data Before Somerville can begin to address the needs of pollinators throughout the city, there needs to be an understanding of existing pollinators, including 1) species currently present, 2) species in nearby landscapes but not present or observed in Somerville, and 3) regional pollinator species at risk of population decline. To that end, the project team reviewed multiple data sources to determine which species are present, when they are present, and what plants they use. Somerville is uniquely positioned to have access to a range of data from international citizen science platforms and hyper-local research organizations. This information establishes a starting point for developing citywide conservation goals and will be the baseline for ongoing monitoring to determine if pollinators benefit from changes made as a result of this Plan. Somerville has access to three credible sources of data that the team used to develop a “Somerville Pollinator Species Catalog” of species currently observed within the city and/or regionally. These sources rely on a range of observation types: citizen science verified by experts (iNaturalist and eBird); trained observers from local non-profit Earthwise Aware (EwA) verified by experts; and surveys provided by local college students working under the review of academic experts through the Tufts Pollinator Initiative (TPI). Data collected from iNaturalist tells us where and when pollinators were observed and the data from TPI and EwA tells us which plants pollinators visit in Somerville. Regional data was only available through iNaturalist and provides a list of species that may also benefit from strategies employed in Somerville. Refer to Table 1 for sources of pollinator observations in Somerville that were captured in the data analysis. The varied data sources reflect many years of collection throughout the city. However, it is important to note the potential for observer bias during interpretation in both the species collected and the distribution of data. For example, there might be: 1) under-representation of dull, small, or cryptic species or of species that are not typically considered charismatic, (e.g., flies) 2) over-representation of flashy, large, or conspicuous species 3) over-representation of slower-moving species that may be easier to photograph 4) under-representation of records at night when people are not looking for insects 5) under-representation of interactions in trees and shrubs above eye level 6) spatial biases towards places with gardens or residents that are already interested in nature-watching and/or nature-recording 7) temporal biases towards summer and fall months when people are outside That being said, even with these biases, the available data gives us an excellent starting understanding of the almost 300 species within Somerville. The biases also identify avenues for future monitoring and research. To further explore the methodology used in this study, please refer to Appendix A. TPI scientist Maria Ostapovich collecting data from sunflowers (Helianthus) in Powderhouse Circle, July 2020. Trained EwA naturalists collecting data on pollinator interactions. Photo Source: Dr. Nicholas Dorian Photo Source: Earthwise Aware

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 38 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 39 Table 2: Present and Potential Pollinators A tally of pollinator species across groups for those recorded from Somerville ("present") and those which could occur in Somerville based on presence in eastern Massachusetts ("potential"). Pollinator Group Present Potential Total Bees 80 63 143 Beetle 34 16 50 Butterfly 24 32 56 Flies 35 42 77 Hummingbird 1 0 1 Moth 82 45 127 Wasp 43 46 89 Total 299 244 543 Pollinator Species Catalog Somerville Species There have been 299 taxonomic units of pollinators observed within the City of Somerville as seen in Table 2. Mascot Species - Meet your Pollinator Neighbors The following six pollinators were selected as representatives of the ecological diversity of pollinators in Somerville to help citizens get to know some local insects and help monitor their future populations. The specific recommendations for each mascot help ensure that the Plan meets requirements for a broad range of visitors; efforts to support these pollinators will benefit many other species too. These six pollinators were selected because they are all visually striking and conspicuous, meaning they are easy to identify and could form the basis of future monitoring efforts by community scientists. Read on to get to know these species, or watch the SPAP video series “Meet Your Neighbors” by Dr. Nick Dorian that teaches simple identification techniques and fun ecological facts. Bicolored striped-sweat bee (Agapostemon virescens) This is a bright metallic green bee with a black-and-white abdomen. It is common throughout Somerville from the end of May through fall, and it is easily found on aster family flowers like purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and wood asters (Symphyotrichum spp.). This species nests in the ground and can be helped by leaving small patches of bare ground in the garden. Two-spotted bumble bee (Bombus bimaculatus) This is the earliest bumble bee to emerge in spring. The colony cycle (the stages of the development of a bumble bee colony, which each only last one year) lasts through the middle of summer, and this pollinator can be found on cherry trees (Prunus spp.), rhododendrons and azaleas, false indigo (Baptisia australis), blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) flowers, among others. Look for a black and yellow fuzzy bumble bee with a “W” shaped patch of yellow on the abdomen. Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) Monarch butterflies might be the best-known pollinator. This large butterfly species depends on milkweed (Asclepias spp.) plants to grow as caterpillars and nectar from flowers during the breeding season to fuel mating and flight. They migrate to Mexico in the fall, so fall-blooming flowers like goldenrods (Solidago spp.) and asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) are important to the species’ survival. They can be seen in Somerville from late June through September. Great black digger wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus) Great black digger wasps are the pollinator-sports-cars of the skies. These fast, flashy wasps are quite gentle when foraging on flowers and fly away if disturbed. In mid-summer, they visit flowers to drink nectar and hunt Great black digger wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus) Photo Source: Claire O’Neill, iNaturalist Transverse-banded flower fly (Eristalis transversa) Banded longhorn beetle (Typocerus velutinus) Photo Source: Molanic, iNaturalist Photo Source: Nick Dorian Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) Bicolored striped-sweat bee (Agapostemon virescens) Two-spotted bumble bee (Bombus bimaculatus) Photo Source: Blythe Nilson, iNaturalist Photo Source: Molanic, iNaturalist Photo Source: Ramona Molnar, iNaturalist

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 40 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 41 katydids and crickets as prey, which they bring to their underground nests. Their favorite flowers include mountain mints (Pycanthemum spp.), goldenrods (Solidago spp.), swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), and summersweet (Clethra alnifolia). Because these wasps are solitary and have no colony to defend, they are not aggressive. Plus, like the majority of Somerville’s 50+ species of solitary wasps, they never visit our backyard picnics. Transverse-banded flower fly (Eristalis transversa) Hover flies make an excellent living out of looking like wasps. These gentle, stingless flies provide two critical ecosystem services: pollination of flowers and nutrient cycling by breaking down soil organic matter for plants to use. To support Eristalis transversa, plant asters like lance-leaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), and wood asters (Eurybia spp.), which are coincidentally some of the most valuable plants for other pollinators in Somerville. Banded longhorn beetle (Typocerus velutinus) Banded longhorn beetles are easy to spot on flowers. These are large, slow-moving pollinators that do not sting. Look for them on fragrant white flowers like viburnums (Viburnum spp.), elderberry (Sambucus spp.), and shrubby dogwoods (Cornus spp.) during spring and summer. These beetles develop in decaying wood so consider leaving an old stump or a log pile in a shady spot in your yard to help them out. Regional Species Pollinators that could potentially occur in Somerville, based on their presence in similar habitats in eastern Massachusetts, are also included in the list of Somerville taxa. The list of potential pollinators is conservative in that we limited our search to field-identifiable species recorded on iNaturalist or noted in taxonomic research for eastern Massachusetts (predominately Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk counties). We did not consider species that primarily occupy different eco-region types (e.g., northeastern highlands in the Berkshires or Atlantic coastal pine barrens on Cape Cod) as they require habitats that don’t exist in Somerville. This research added 244 additional pollinators that could potentially occur in Somerville but have not been recorded to date (see Table 2). In total, the Somerville Pollinator Species Catalog includes 543 species of insect pollinators and 1 hummingbird pollinator. For a complete list of the observed species, please refer to Appendix B. At-Risk Species Trend data indicating which Massachusetts pollinator species are at risk of population decline are currently only available for bees and butterflies. Unfortunately, it is not known how most moths, flies, wasps, or beetles are faring in the context of rapid, global environmental change. Among the species found in Somerville, published population trends show declines in several species of bees and butterflies. For this report’s purposes, these species are considered at-risk in that they occur in Somerville but are likely not as common as they used to be. Planting gardens that meet the habitat needs of these insects could contribute to increasing their abundance. It is worth noting that given the lack of historical data from Somerville, it is not possible to know the particular population trends of species within the city. Rather, these species are highlighted to encourage future monitoring efforts to document these species across Somerville more completely. At-risk bees present in Somerville - hawthorn miner bee, Andrena crataegi - cloudy-winged miner bee, Andrena nubecula - golden northern bumble bee, Bombus fervidus (Jacobson et al., 2018) - half-black bumble bee, Bombus vagans (Jacobson et al., 2018) - eight-toothed leaf-cutter bee, Coelioxys octodentata, - orchard mason bee, Osmia lignaria - Drury’s long-horned bee, Melissodes druriellus (Based on Bartomeus et al., 2013 conclusions using data from northeastern North America) At-risk butterflies present in Somerville - common wood-nymph, Cercyonis pegala - clouded sulphur, Colias philodice - silver-spotted skipper, Epargyreus clarus (Based on Michielini et al. 2021 conclusions using Massachusetts data only) Andrena nubecula Bombus fervidus Bombus vagans Melissodes druriellus Epargyreus clarus Colias philodice Cercyonis pegala cloudy-winged mining bee golden northern bumble bee half-black bumble bee Drury’s long-horned bee silver-spotted skipper clouded sulphur common wood-nymph At-risk butterfly species found in Somerville. Four of the at-risk bee species found in Somerville.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 42 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 43 Among the species found in eastern Massachusetts that are not present in Somerville, the following nine species of bees and eight species of butterflies are thought to be at-risk: At-risk bees present in eastern MA but not yet recorded from Somerville - eastern willow miner bee, Andrena bisalicis - short-tongued miner bee, Andrena brevipalpis - distant miner bee, Andrena distans - red-bellied miner bee, Andrena erythrogaster - short-haired dogwood mining bee, Andrena integra - peaceful miner bee, Andrena placata - Sigmund’s miner bee, Andrena sigmundi - short leafcutter bee, Megachile brevis - relative leafcutter bee, Megachile relativa - Maine blueberry bee, Osmia atriventris (Based on Bartomeus et al. 2013) At-risk butterflies present in eastern Massachusetts - striped hairstreak butterfly, Satyrium lipaprops - silvery blue butterfly, Glaucopsyche lygdamus - variegated fritillary butterfly, Euptoieta claudia - California ringlet butterfly, Coenonympha california - Delaware skipper butterfly, Anatrytone logan - European skipper butterfly, Thymelicus lineola - hoary edge butterfly, Thorybes lyciades - Indian skipper butterfly, Hesperia sassacus (Based on Michielini et al. 2021)W Megachile relativa Anatrytone logan relative leafcutter bee Delaware skipper Andrena distans Andrena integra Satyrium liparops Euptoieta claudia distant miner bee short-haired dogwood mining bee striped hairstreak butterfly variegated fritillary butterfly The species of bees and butterflies shown here are among the 18 species identified as being present regionally but not yet observed in Somerville. The actions taken in Somerville may be able to help support these species.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 44 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 45 Temporal Distribution The USA National Phenology Network defines phenology as “the study of the timing and cyclical patterns of events in the natural world, particularly those related to the annual life cycles of plants, animals, and other living things.” The temporal data reviewed for this project provides insight into each species’ phenology (Figures 2-9). This analysis indicates that Somerville’s pollinators are active across the entire growing season, from March through October (during which weather conditions are suitable for plant growth in Massachusetts). Pollinator groups as a whole varied little in their activity periods, with flies and beetles tending to be active earlier in the season and butterflies and wasps tending to be active later in the season. Of note, bees were active across the entire growing season, from March through October, underscoring the importance of providing season-long resources for bees in urban pollinator habitats. Ruby-throated hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) were not recorded breeding in Somerville as evidenced by the absence of records from June and July. Concentrated bursts of sightings in April-May and in August (9 total records) indicate that this species uses Somerville during spring and fall migration, respectively. Providing nectar-rich floral resources for hummingbirds during these two migration periods will help them refuel in urban areas. The species diversity of all urban pollinators peaked in summer months (Jun-Aug). Necessary resources include winter habitat when pollinators are no longer seen. For many, intact winter habitat means undisturbed soils, leaf litter around the bases of trees, and un-cut stems and grasses. To support the full lifecycle of our pollinators, they need resources throughout the year. For the specific catalog of the species noted above, see Appendix B. Figure 2: Pollinator activity throughout the growing season in Somerville. Bars represent the number of unique pollinator species observed in each week of the year. See Figures 3–9 for pollinator activity by species.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 46 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 47 Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens) Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis) Eastern carpenter bee (Xylocarpa virginica) Photo Source: Ildikorab, iNaturalist Photo Source: Maggie W., iNaturalist Photo Source: Claire O’Neil, iNaturalist Bicolored striped-sweat bee (Agapostemon virescens) Ligated furrow bee (Halictus ligatus) Two-spotted bumble bee (Bombus bimaculatus) Photo Source: Blythe Nilson, iNaturalist Photo Source: Claire O’Neil, iNaturalist Photo Source: Sean McCann, iNaturalist Figure 3: Bee species activity across weeks of the year.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 48 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 49 Figure 4: Wasp species activity across weeks of the year. Eastern yellowjacket (Polistes dominula) Photo Source: Laura R. Dragon, iNaturalist Great black digger wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus) Hump-backed beewolf (Philanthus gibbosus) Photo Source: Christian Grenier, iNaturalist Photo Source: J. Gray, iNaturalist Bald-faced hornet (Vespula maculifrons) Photo Source: Susanna Heideman, iNaturalist Great golden digger wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus) American sand wasp (Bembix americana) Photo Source: Alan Wells, iNaturalist Photo Source: Kelly Krechmer, iNaturalist

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 50 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 51 Figure 5: Butterfly species activity across weeks of the year. Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) Photo Source: Ramona Molnar, iNaturalist Small white butterfly (Pieris rapae) Red admiral butterfly (Vanessa atalanta) Photo Source: Cyrus J, iNaturalist Photo Source: , Stuart Tingley, iNaturalist Black swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes) Photo Source: Terrance Gui, iNaturalist American lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis) Zabulon skipper butterfly (Lon zabulon) Photo Source: Kenhatch, iNaturalist Photo Source: Faith Novella, iNaturalist

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 52 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 53 Figure 6: Moth species activity across weeks of the year. Virginia tiger moth (Spilosonma virginica) Photo Source: EIW5, iNaturalist Bicolored sallow moth (Sunira bicolorago) Green cloverworm moth (Hypena scabra) Photo Source: Akilee, iNaturalist Photo Source: Teamontagna, iNaturalist Pale mottled willow moth (Caradrina clavipalpis) Photo Source: Akilee, iNaturalist Squash vine borer (Eiclinia cucurbitae) Large yellow underwing moth (Noctua pronuba) Photo Source: Beesearcher, iNaturalist Photo Source: Americannaturalist90, iNaturalist

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 54 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 55 Thick-legged hover fly (Syritta pipiens) Photo Source: Ina Siebert, iNaturalist Margined calligrapher Toxomerus arginatus) Common drone fly (Eristalis tenax) Photo Source: Denis Doucet, iNaturalist Photo Source: Bill Lucas, iNaturalist Narcissus bulb fly (Merodon equestris) Photo Source: Corinna Herr, iNaturalist Oblique streaktail (Allograpta obliqua) Eastern calligrapher (Toxomerus gerninatus) Photo Source: C. Mallory, iNaturalist Photo Source: Jeff O’Connell, iNaturalist Figure 7: Fly species activity across weeks of the year.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 56 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 57 Figure 8: Beetle species activity across weeks of the year. Photo Source: Paolo Mazzei, iNaturalist Photo Source: Pawel Pieluszynski, iNaturalist Photo Source: Gustavo Pena, iNaturalist Photo Source: J Gray, iNaturalist Photo Source: Claire O’Neill, iNaturalist Photo Source:Jon J Laysell, iNaturalist Locust borer (Megacyllene robiniae) Fourteen-spotted lady beetle (Propylea quatuordecimpunctata) Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis) Red milkweed beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus) Varied carpet beetle (Anthrenus verbasci) Spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata)

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 58 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 59 Ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) Figure 9: Bird species activity across weeks of the year. Photo Source: Susan Elliott, iNaturalist

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 60 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 61 Spatial Context A spatial analysis of Somerville was conducted using GIS data layers provided by the City and State of Massachusetts to develop a contextual understanding of existing ecological and urban conditions. The collected data combined physical resource layers, including land cover and land use, hydrography, City-owned trees, and man-made infrastructure data on buildings, roadways, and impervious surfaces. The team also reviewed publicly available data on light pollution and personal observations of existing pollinator gardens. These existing conditions were combined with US Census Economic Justice Communities data and climate change vulnerability data to understand overlapping ecological and social issues. This information is used in Section 9 to identify intervention priority areas to address pollinator habitat fragmentation. Artificial Light at Night Somerville’s urban context is prone to high use of artificial lights at night. Using Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) data collected by NASA and NOAA in 2023 (Stare, NASA), Somerville and its neighbors throughout the greater Boston area are within the medium to high levels of light pollution (light pollution: the excessive use or misdirection of artificial light that brightens the night sky and obscures stars and other celestial objects). The highest level of light pollution appears in Ward One and part of Ward Two (Figures 10-11) where it is theorized that the Inner Belt neighborhood, the interstate, and Assembly Row may all contribute to these increased light levels. However, a 2020 study in Tucson, Arizona found that street lighting provides a relatively small percentage (13%) of the light pollution visible from space (Kyba et al., 2020). This suggests that in addition to city- scale lighting ordinances, individual actions by property owners and managers can contribute to reducing the light pollution in Somerville. Land Use As seen in Figure 12, the primary land use in Somerville is residential (46%), with the second highest use being rights-of-way (27%) (City of Somerville, 2021). The remaining space is relatively evenly divided between mid- and high-rise districts (5%), commercial districts (9%), civic special districts (8%), and other special districts (6%). There is potential for city-scale implementation of pollinator initiatives, but private landowners and residents can make a large impact by creating pollinator habitat following the best practices outlined in this Plan. Permeable Open Space Somerville has one of the lowest proportions of open space per resident within its city limits, about 9.5 square feet of open space per resident (City of Somerville, 2024). Understanding the available open space is a critical step in learning how and where pollinators can be supported in the city. Impervious surface GIS data provided by the City of Somerville was inverted to create a data layer highlighting permeable land cover throughout the city. Parcel ownership data was used to categorize permeable land cover by city, state, private residential, or private commercial/industrial ownership to better inform and tailor intervention strategies to appropriate scales and levels of feasibility. This GIS analysis provides the following overall permeable land areas out of Somerville’s total land area of 4.12 square mile: Permeable Areas by Ownership Category: City of Somerville: 0.09 Sq Miles State (i.e., DCR, MBTA): 0.08 Sq Miles Private (Residential): 0.45 Sq Miles Private (Commercial / Industrial): 0.04 Sq Miles Other* 0.14 Sq Miles Total Permeable Area: 0.80 Sq Miles *Educational Institutions, Places of Worship, Roadways, etc. Figure 12: Type of Land Use in Somerville from the City of Somerville, Urban Forest Management Plan, 2021. Figure 10: Artificial Light at Night, Massachusetts Light Pollution. Figure 11: Artificial Light at Night, Somerville Light Pollution.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 62 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 63 LEGEND CITY OF SOMERVILLE WARDS I-93 PRIMARY ROADS STREETS 2020 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ZONES EJ CRITERIA MINORITY MINORITY & INCOME MINORITY & ENGLISH ISOLATION MINORITY, INCOME, AND ENGLISH ISOLATION PERMEABLE OPEN SPACE - CITY OWNED PERMEABLE OPEN SPACE - STATE OWNED PERMEABLE OPEN SPACE - PRIVATE (RESIDENTIAL) PERMEABLE OPEN SPACE - PRIVATE (COMMERCIAL + INDUSTRIAL) PERMEABLE OPEN SPACE - OTHER The total permeable area included is less than the sum of the categories above due to overlap between the data layers (Figures 13-15). This map provides a starting point for understanding the existing open space network and potential habitat opportunities in Somerville. The substantial difference between potential planting areas on private land versus City- or State-owned is striking. While municipal entities will play a part, residents can make a big impact. For more information on habitat creation throughout the city, refer to Sections 6-10 of this plan. Somerville’s Tree Canopy The City of Somerville’s 2020 tree inventory catalogs the nearly 14,000 trees that make up the City’s publicly accessible canopy. Although a majority of Somerville’s trees are located on private property, the City’s tree inventory provides a thorough base point for understanding the city’s canopy and the value it can serve for pollinators (Figure 16. Note that locations indicating vacant tree pits and dead trees were removed from the dataset). Based on the trees represented in the 2020 inventory, 80% of trees on public land are owned by the City of Somerville, 8% by the MBTA, 6% by DCR, 1% by MassDOT, and the remaining 5% are allocated to private owners. Most of these publicly owned trees are street trees (72%) which may have the potential to act as a pollinator-supporting corridor depending on the species included. Park trees were the second highest quantity (14%) and could potentially be paired with shrub or herbaceous planting in the future to create a layered resource area for pollinators. According to an analysis done as a part of the Somerville Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) in 2021, approximately 14% of the city is currently under canopy cover (this statistic is from 2018 so it has potentially changed in the last six years), with the least coverage occurring in Wards One (under 10%) and Two (10-15%) and the highest coverage occurring in Wards Six and Seven (more than 20%) as seen in Figure 17. The study also found through analysis of aerial photography that approximately 65% of the city’s canopy cover comes from privately owned trees. Figure 13: Permeable Open Space: City/State Owned. Figure 14: Permeable Open Space: Residential (see Figure 15 for legend). Figure 15: Permeable Open Space: Commercial or Industrial. Refer to section on environmental equity for more information.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 64 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 65 City-owned trees are carefully selected to meet a wide variety of site conditions, to avoid infrastructure and utility conflicts, and to survive a changing climate. The UFMP indicates that approximately 44% of existing species in the 2018 inventory were native to New England. Table 3 identifies which of the inventoried trees have potential pollinator value. In each pollinator category, an X indicates that the tree species provides nectar or pollen for adult insects. An X under larval host plant indicates that the larvae of butterflies or moths consume the vegetation of the tree during development. The City as a Pollinator Garden Effective pollinator habitat will not only consider the composition of food and nesting resources within a garden but also consider the connectivity of habitat patches across the city. For pollinators to benefit from habitat installations, they need to be able to travel between them. Pollinators vary significantly in their ability to move, and consideration of the different ranges of urban pollinators is critical when optimizing habitat placement for urban connectivity. To identify habitat opportunities with the greatest impact, we need to understand the current distribution of green space within Somerville. The project team mapped known pollinator gardens within the city, focusing on gardens intentionally designed to benefit pollinators. The list of existing pollinator gardens was supplemented by data from the Mystic Pollinator Pathway Map. To expand this list, a community engagement effort was undertaken to crowd-source the locations of additional existing gardens in public and private spaces. The Community Map of Existing Pollinator Gardens (Figure 18) is a working compilation of known gardens around the city. The recommendations section of this report uses only the formalized gardens to identify key opportunities to create corridors (such as the Somerville Community Growing Center), however this map should be updated as new gardens arise. Figure 16: Somerville Tree Inventory Analysis. See Appendix G for full drawing. Figure 17: Tree canopy cover in 2018 by ward from the City of Somerville, Urban Forest Management Plan, 2021.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 66 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 67 Table 3: Trees with pollinator value X – perceived to have pollinator value in Somerville based on SPAP data X* – likely has pollinator value based on the work by Dr. Tallamy referenced throughout this report but needs further study to confirm benefit in Somerville Scientific name Common name QTY Native/Exotic Wasp Bee Butterfly or Moth Fly Beetle Larval Host Plant Value Acer rubrum Red maple 1345 Native X X X X 4 Amelanchier canadensis Canada serviceberry 8 Native X X X X X 5 Amelanchier laevis Allegheny serviceberry 14 Native X X X X X 5 Betula nigra Black birch 98 Native X 1 Betula populifolia Gray birch 22 Native X 1 Carpinus caroliniana Hornbeam 12 Native X 1 Carya spp. Hickories 10 Native X 1 Catalpa speciosa Northern catalpa 59 Native X 1 Celtis occidentalis Hackberry 9 Native X 1 Crataegus x Hawthorn 15 Hybrid Exotic X X X X X 5 Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip poplar 27 Native X X 2 Malus x Crabapple 206 Hybrid Exotic X X X X X 5 Ostyra virginiana Hop hornbeam 12 Native X 1 Populus spp. Poplars/Aspens 50 Native X 1 Prunus serotina Black cherry 52 Native X X X X X X 6 Prunus virginiana Chokecherry 11 Native X X X X X X 6 Quercus alba White oak 15 Native X* X 1 Quercus bicolor Swamp white oak 64 Native X* X 1 Quercus coccinea Scarlet oak 16 Native X* X 1 Quercus palustris Pin oak 288 Native X* X 1 Quercus rubra Red oak 291 Native X* X 1 Salix nigra Black willow 1 Native X X X X 4 Tilia americana American basswood 24 Native X X X X X 5 Ulmus americana American elm 126 Native X 1 Although it is known that pollinators have maximum distances of travel, existing data on the distance each pollinator category can travel is limited. Native bees of various sizes are known to have a wide variety of ranges from a couple of hundred feet up to over a mile (Mader et al., 2011). The following approximate ranges are known as seen in Figure 19 (Fisher & Bradbury, 2022; Gathmann & Tscharntke, 2022; Greenleaf et al., 2007; Kendall et al., 2022): - bumble bee / monarch butterfly – 5,280 feet (1 mile) + - medium to large solitary bee – 1,640 feet (.31 miles) - small bee and small butterfly range – 820 feet (.16 miles) - tiny bee – 300 feet (.06 miles) As shown by these wide-ranging numbers, the ability of pollinator species to travel across the city is varied. Finding nesting and foraging sites within each species’ individual reach is critical to their success, although challenging in a densely urban environment. Ideally, nesting and foraging sites would be within a few hundred feet of each other to meet the needs of the pollinators with the smallest range of travel. As seen in Figures 18 and 19, how these ranges stack up against the size of Somerville plays an important role in prioritizing new habitat installations in the city. Pollinators employ different strategies to locate food in the city. Some, like butterflies, fly across the city from flower to flower throughout their lives. In contrast, others, like female bees and wasps, have a nest that is fixed in place. Each day, they travel away from this nest to gather food within their home range but return to it in between foraging trips and at night. Thus, for bees and wasps, access to flowers is limited by the nest’s location. For solitary bees, farther flight distances are known to impose reproductive costs; bees flying farther to find food produce fewer offspring than bees flying shorter distances (Zurbuchen et al., 2010). For this reason, pollinator corridor creation is recommended. Environmental Equity - Humans and Pollinators Somerville is a densely populated urban area, home to a diverse group of people. To ensure that all residents benefit from the ecological and social advantages outlined in this Plan, it emphasizes the need to prioritize Environmental Justice Communities for pollinator habitat installation. Most of these communities were historically redlined and excluded from publicly sponsored open space improvements. These areas tend to have fewer street trees, less open space, and higher vulnerability to the effects of climate change and urban development (heat, flooding, pollution, and low air quality). By focusing on creating pollinator habitat plantings in these areas, the Plan aims to reknit a cooler, healthier, more resilient urban ecosystem, particularly in historically marginalized neighborhoods as the city undergoes rapid redevelopment. According to the State of Massachusetts Department of Public Health: Environmental Justice (EJ) is based on the principle that all people have the right to be protected from environmental pollution and to live in and enjoy a clean, healthy environment. Various forms of discrimination and racism have created long-standing health inequities for people of color and lower-income individuals. These populations have historically been excluded from meaningful participation in decisions that impact their communities’ environmental health. People of color and people with limited incomes are more likely to live near toxic waste sites, in areas with high air pollution, and in low-quality housing because of the inequitable distribution of high-pollution sites. Structural inequities result in fewer healthcare providers, limited access to transportation options, and limited access to health information in the community due to inaccessible health communications and lack of access for non-English speakers.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 68 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 69 The Xerces Society, Attracting Native Pollinators: Protecting North America’s Bees and Butterflies, Storey Publishing, North Adams, MA. 2011. Figure 19: Approximate range of native bees in Somerville, MA. Figure 18: Connectivity of known pollinator gardens and average pollinator ranges. Some species have access to a larger available network than others.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 70 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 71 Table 4: Pollinator Observations by Ward Ward Total number of Observations 1 254 2 132 3 4329 4 196 5 518 6 3503 7 461 Assembly Sq Charlestown Medford Cambridge Union Sq City Hall & Somerville High School Davis Sq Ball Sq Inner Belt Tufts University 2 CENSUS TRACTS MINORITY & ENGLISH ISOLATION 1 CENSUS TRACT MINORITY, INCOME, & ENGLISH ISOLATION 3 CENSUS TRACTS MINORITY & INCOME 44 CENSUS TRACTS MINORITY Massachusetts Environmental Justice Communities are located in all seven wards of Somerville (Figure 20). The communities include 44 census tracts for minority communities, three census tracts for minority and income, two census tracts for minority and English isolation, and one census tract for minority, income, and English isolation. While these communities are found in all seven wards, they cover the entirety of Wards One and Four, and only a small portion fall within Ward Six. It is important to link these historically underserved areas with new open space interventions, because no one community is more or less deserving of the environmental, recreational, and aesthetic benefits of urban open spaces. And there is a clear gap to fill based on the historic redlining of these areas. Layering those open space amenities with pollinator habitat provides an experience of nature for residents in a highly developed area, benefits to the insects, and helps to mitigate extreme weather conditions. When combined with the permeable area data (i.e., areas able to infiltrate water that could be plantable), it is revealed that 75% of the permeable open space in the city is found within EJ Communities, approximately 0.60 square miles. Approximately 154.1 acres of Somerville’s total 174.3 acres of parks and open space are also located in the EJ Communities. 18% of Somerville’s citizens have access to 25% of open space areas, compared to the 82% of citizens living in EJ Communities with access to 75% of open space. While there is no data available on how much of this space could be directly used for pollinator habitat, it may indicate that there is potential for implementation in EJ communities (see Figure 13-15). Connecting with residents in these areas to support pollinator habitat creation on private property and targeting City- or State- owned open spaces in these areas could help shift historic imbalances. Open spaces provide many functions, including active recreation, so it is likely that not all of these spaces are suitable for conversion to pollinator habitat. Where habitat is possible, prioritizing the use of shade trees for both people and pollinators is critical, especially those known for their phytoremediation (pollution removal) properties. EJ Communities have a higher proximity to highways and major roads where air pollution can cause major health impacts (Li et al, 2017 and CAFEH, 2024). Adding densely vegetated green spaces between homes and the highway has the potential to block or reduce air pollution while also supporting pollinators. Several native tree species that benefit pollinators can also help to remove particulate matter from the air in the growing season or help mitigate flooding (with high transpiration rates) and improve stormwater or soil quality in the root zone of the plant (Kennen & Kirkwood, 2015). These species include birches (Betula spp.), poplars (Populus spp.), sumacs (Rhus spp.), basswoods (Tillia spp.), hackberry (Celtis laevigata), and American beech (Fagus grandiflora) (Kennen & Kirkwood, 2015). Recommended new plantings should be focused in EJ communities first to address human environmental equity in historically underserved neighborhoods especially as climate change makes the city hotter and wetter in years to come. Spatial Distribution The Species Catalog was layered over GIS data to map the spatial distribution of each observed species. Pollinators are spread across Somerville and are present in all seven wards (Figures 24-27). Our data compilation indicated that the most species of pollinators were observed within Wards Three, Five, and Six. The lowest number was observed in Wards One, Two, and Four as seen in Table 4. Figure 20: Environmental Justice Communities in Somerville, MA.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 72 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 73 N 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 2 3 4 6 7 5 Figure 25: Pollinator observations categorized across Somerville, MA wards broken out by taxonomic group. Colored points represent the locations of records across the city, color coded by the pollinator group that the record belongs to. Figure 24: Pollinator observations across Somerville, MA wards by taxonomic group.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 74 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 75 N 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Bees Beatles Butterflies and Moths Hummingbirds Flies Wasps Pollinator Biodiversity N 0 Number of Species Reorded by Group 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 5 5 5 5 5 5 Figure 26: The number of species recorded in different wards for each pollinator group. Each map shows the number of species recorded in different wards for each polliantor group. The dark gray areas are where no records occur and the light gray areas for hummingbird simply means that one species was found in each of the wards. Figure 27: Total number of pollinator species recorded in a ward, broken down by pollinator group.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 76 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 77 Assembly Sq Medford Cambridge Union Sq Davis Sq Ball Sq Inner Belt Tufts University 2 CENSUS TRACTS MINORITY & ENGLISH ISOLATION 1 CENSUS TRACT MINORITY, INCOME, & ENGLISH ISOLATION 3 CENSUS TRACTS MINORITY & INCOME 44 CENSUS TRACTS MINORITY City Hall & Somerville High School However, it is important to note that even if pollinators are not present on the map, they might still occur in that area. The absence could mean that a particular species is truly missing in Somerville, or it could be an issue with detection. The data indicates that pollinator observation effort was not evenly distributed across the city’s wards, with Wards Three and Six having nearly ten times more pollinator records than Wards One, Two, Four, Five, and Seven. Therefore, from the available data, it is difficult to conclude whether certain areas of the city are indeed home to higher total species, or if the differences in species recorded across Somerville are due to differences in sampling, or both. Laying the spatial distribution of pollinator species over the EJ Communities and artificial light at night maps highlights two potential reasons for fewer insect observations in Wards One, Two, and Four. First, these wards are all primarily EJ populations (Figure 28). Wards One, Two, and Four make up 52% (25%, 16%, and 11% respectively) of the total land area of Somerville, but Wards One and Two contain only 18% of the permeable area. This could potentially correlate to less existing habitat. While Wards One, Two, and Four do contain Blessing of the Bay Park, the Glen Park Community Gardens, and Lincoln Park (which have logged pollinator observations), large swaths of Wards One and Two are zoned for commercial industry. Areas like Brickbottom and Inner Belt have substantially fewer residents to log observations, fewer houses with backyards, and less open space. While commercial or industrial development still poses opportunities for habitat creation, it is historically uncommon. These areas with fewer observed species also fall within the highest levels of light pollution,. Since light pollution alters insect behaviors, it might be a cause for fewer insect sightings. It is important to note that these potential links between species distribution and GIS data are based on the observations that we have today. Additional surveys in these wards would provide further insight into whether these landscapes are truly less supportive of pollinators. When the species data is added as an overlay over the permeable open space map (Figure 29), observed pollinator species richness is most recorded at the following locations: - Blessing of the Bay Park (DCR/City of Somerville) - Community Path Pollinator Garden at Highland Road (MBTA) - Draw Seven State Park (DCR) - Morse-Kelley Playground and Pollinator Garden - Powder House Square - Somerville Community Growing Center - Tufts University The same observers’ bias must be acknowledged for this correlation. These areas are known for their plants or gardens and may appear to have more diversity simply because visitors are looking for pollinators in these locations. Conversely, the following examples of open space areas with few observations may be underrepresented by the data: - Alewife Brook Reservation - Foss Park (DCR) - Trum Field Further survey work is needed in areas of Somerville with limited data to understand what pollinators are present and where opportunities exist to expand habitat. Refer to Appendix A for the methodology used for this report and Sections 6 and 13 for recommendations on what should be done next. Figure 28: Combined map of pollinator observations and Environmental Justice Communities. Highest species richness was observed in Wards 3, 5, and 6. Lowest species richness was observed in Wards 1,2, and 4.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 78 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 79 Morse-Kelley Playground Community Path Powder House Square Tufts University Blessing of the Bay Drawn Seven State Park Somerville Growing Center Table 5: Number of Pollinating Insects on Native Plant Genera Common Name Plant Genus Number of Pollinator Species in Somerville that visited plants goldenrods Solidago 49 black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia 47 mountain mints Pycnanthemum 28 coneflower Echinacea 27 tickseed Coreopsis 26 sneezeweed Helenium 26 milkweed Asclepias 23 sunflower Helianthus 23 wood aster Symphyotrichum 22 blazing star Liatris 19 Joe-pye weed Eutrochium 12 rose Rosa 10 Table 6: Number of Pollinating Insects on Non-Native Plant Genera Common Name Plant Genus Number of Pollinator Species that Visited plants catmint Nepeta 18 mint Mentha 17 oregano Origanum 13 plumbago Ceratostigma 10 globe thistle Echinops 10 Plant Associations For each pollinator species either present in Somerville, or potentially occurring in the city, the project team gathered data on existing plant- insect interactions to understand which plants support the greatest numbers and types of insects in Somerville. The team collated data on insect-flower interactions from several sources, including EwA, TPI, iNaturalist data, scientific publications, and published textbooks specific to pollinator groups. For this analysis, an interaction was defined as a record of an insect visiting a flower (not necessarily performing pollination). Note that the list may be biased to plants more commonly observed or planted in gardens than others. Individual interactions observed between each species of pollinator and plant species are represented in the association web in Figure 30 and split out by individual pollinator category in Appendix C. These graphics highlight the vast number of connections that exist between pollinator species and the plants necessary to support them throughout the city. Native Plants Native plant genera with greater than ten observed interactions with unique species of flower-visiting insects are captured in Table 5. Non-Native Plants Non-native plant genera with greater than ten observed interactions with flower-visiting insects can be reviewed in Table 6. Figure 29: Combined map of pollinator observations and permeable open space areas. Highest species richness was observed in Wards 3, 5, and 6. Lowest species richness was observed in Wards 1,2, and 4.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 80 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 81 Species Interactions To provide further insight into the benefit of these plant associations to pollinators—both pollinators within Somerville and those that could potentially occur within Somerville—we reviewed iNaturalist data for each insect pollinator taxon and recorded interactions between pollinator species and flowering plants. This data revealed the proportion of pollinator species that visited each plant genus. For example, of the 143 species of bees that are present in Somerville or could possibly occur in Somerville, 41 species (29%) have been recorded to occur on goldenrod (Solidago). The proportion can be interpreted as a rough index of pollinator value—the higher the number, the greater the value of that plant to local pollinator species. The following Tables 7-12 include the top 10 native plant genera for each pollinator category. For complete plant association lists, including non-native species, please refer to Appendix C. When this data is combined, the following genera of trees, shrubs, and perennials (Tables 13-15) are the top ten most-visited plants across all taxa. Table 7: Bees – Native Plant Associations Common Name Plant Genus Proportion of Taxa goldenrods Solidago 0.29 blackberries Rubus 0.23 willows Salix 0.21 milkweeds Asclepias 0.17 mountain mints Pycnanthemum 0.17 wood asters Symphyotrichum 0.17 cherries, plums Prunus 0.16 dogwoods Cornus 0.14 sumacs Rhus 0.13 blueberries Vaccinium 0.13 Note: The most observed non-native plant visits were to Malus, apple/crabapple at 0.18. Solidago altissima Figure 30: Association web between Somerville flower visiting insects and flowering plants. For webs broken down by individual taxonomic groups of pollinators, see Appendix C.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 82 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 83 Table 9: Butterflies – Native Plant Associations Common Name Plant Genus Proportion of Taxa milkweeds Asclepias 0.68 Joe-pye weeds Eutrochium 0.48 coneflowers Echinacea 0.46 wood asters Symphyotrichum 0.34 mountain mints Pycnanthemum 0.32 blazing stars Liatris 0.29 beebalms Monarda 0.29 goldenrods Solidago 0.29 blackberries Rubus 0.25 black-eyed Susans Rudbeckia 0.25 Note: The most observed non-native plant visits were to Trifolium, clover at 0.38. Table 10: Moths – Native Plant Associations Common Name Plant Genus Proportion of Taxa goldenrods Solidago 0.48 milkweeds Asclepias 0.45 beebalms Monarda 0.20 mountain mints Pycnanthemum 0.18 bonesets Eupatorium 0.14 Joe-pye weeds Eutrochium 0.14 steeplebushes Spiraea 0.14 wood asters Symphyotrichum 0.14 buttonbushes Cephalanthus 0.11 dogbanes Apocynum 0.09 Note: The most observed non-native plant visits were to Buddleja, butterfly bush at 0.13. Table 11: Flies – Native Plant Associations Common Name Plant Genus Proportion of Taxa goldenrods Solidago 0.57 wood asters Symphyotrichum 0.45 bonesets Eupatorium 0.23 steeplebushes Spiraea 0.22 dogwoods Cornus 0.18 viburnums Viburnum 0.18 blackberries Rubus 0.17 plums, cherries, etc. Prunus 0.16 yarrows Achillea 0.14 Note: The most observed non-native plant visits were to Daucus, Queen Anne’s lace at 0.28. Table 8: Wasps – Native Plant Associations Common Name Plant Genus Proportion of Taxa goldenrods Solidago 0.76 mountain mints Pycnanthemum 0.54 wood asters Symphyotrichum 0.42 bonesets Eupatorium 0.40 milkweeds Asclepias 0.39 sumacs Rhus 0.35 steeplebushes Spirea 0.34 beebalms Monarda 0.33 sea hollies Eryngium 0.30 black-eyed Susans Rudbeckia 0.28 Note: The most observed non-native plant visits were to Daucus, Queen Anne’s lace at 0.39. Monarda fistulosa Asclepias syriaca Pycnanthemum virginianum Symphyotrichum cordifolium

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 84 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 85 Table 12: Beetles – Native Plant Associations Common Name Plant Genus Proportion of Taxa goldenrods Solidago 0.28 dogwoods Cornus 0.22 milkweeds Asclepias 0.18 roses Rosa 0.18 steeplebushes Spiraea 0.18 yarrows Achillea 0.16 plums, cherries, etc. Prunus 0.16 California lilacs Ceanothus 0.14 bonesets Eupatorium 0.12 mountain mints Pycnanthemum 0.10 Note: The most observed non-native plant visits were to Daucus, Queen Anne’s lace at 0.27. Table 13: Most Visited Trees (native and non-native) Rank Scientific Name Common Name 1 Cornus spp. (syn. Swida) dogwood 2 Prunus spp (some species native) cherry, plum, etc. 3 Salix spp. willow 4 Malus spp. (not native to US) apple 5 Ilex opaca American holly 6 Crataegus spp. hawthorn 7 Amelanchier spp. serviceberry/shad 8 Acer spp. maple 9 Cercis canadensis eastern redbud 10 Liriodendron tulipifera tulip tree Table 14: Most Visited Shrubs (native and non-native) Rank Scientific Name Common Name 1 Spiraea spp. meadowsweet 2 Rubus spp. raspberry 3 Rhus spp. sumac 4 Cornus spp. (syn. Swida) dogwood 5 Prunus spp. plum 6 Salix spp. willow 7 Ceanothus americanus New Jersey tea 8 Viburnum spp. viburnum 9 Clethra alnifolia sweet pepperbush 10 Cephalanthus occidentalis buttonbush Table 15: Most Visited Perennials (native and non-native) Rank Scientific Name Common Name 1 Solidago spp. goldenrod 2 Asclepias spp. milkweed 3 Symphyotrichum spp. aster 4 Pycnanthemum spp. mountain mint 5 Eupatorium spp. boneset 6 Rudbeckia spp. black-eyed Susan 7 Monarda spp. beebalm 8 Echinacea spp. coneflower 9 Achillea spp. yarrow 10 Eutrochium spp. Joe-pye weed Solidago rugosa Spirea alba Cornus sericea Amelanchier canadensis

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Somerville’s Pollinators 86 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Somerville’s Pollinators 87 Expert Interviews During this Plan’s data-collection phase, the project team interviewed researchers and advocates on the major factors contributing to the decline of insects worldwide: pesticide use, habitat fragmentation, climate change, and artificial lights at night. The interviews focused on how each individual’s expertise could inform beneficial habitat resources in Somerville’s very urban environment. The findings of these interviews are included throughout this report, and publicly available video recordings can be found on the SPAP SomerVoice page. Dr. Avalon Owens The Rowland Institute at Harvard, Biologist/Entomologist Kass Urban-Mead Xerces Society, Pollinator Conservation Specialist Kelly Gill Xerces Society, Senior Pollinator Conservation Specialist Dr. Richard Primack Boston University, Professor of Biology, The Primack Lab Dr. Rosemary Malfi Xerces Society, Pesticide Program Specialist, Policy Lead Susannah Lerman UMass Amherst, Research Ecologist Data Gaps The following gaps in data have been identified and recommendations for ongoing monitoring and research are discussed in Section 13. Temporal Gaps Surveys earlier in the season are needed to better understand early spring pollinator activity and any potential floral resource gaps. To overcome this data limitation in the Plan, recommendations for Somerville include planting native trees and shrubs known to support early-season pollinators. Spatial Gaps Existing data reflects an uneven sampling of records from across Somerville wards, making comparisons of pollinator community composition across wards weak. Additional records from Wards One, Two, and Four are needed to establish baseline data on pollinators in those areas. Systematic monitoring of pollinators across the city, with data on sampling effort (time, number of observers, etc.) would be needed to more confidently assess differences in pollinator richness across the city. Interaction Gaps Trees and shrubs were largely underrepresented in interaction data compared to herbaceous perennials and annuals. There was also a lack of data on flower interactions for beetles and moths. To resolve this gap, the team gathered additional data from the broader regions to ensure the Plan covered these species’ needs. Future monitoring efforts should prioritize early spring tree and shrub observations. Species Population Trends No information is available on how populations have changed over time or space in Somerville. This Plan includes the best available data from regionally relevant publications on species trends to guide the status of at- risk species. Systematic monitoring of pollinators in Somerville would be needed to understand trends in abundance through time. Notably, records of both the presence and absence of particular species (where they occur, but also information on where they do not occur) are needed to estimate these trends. The monitoring species approach highlighted in this Plan is a straightforward, tractable way for community members to begin this data collection effort. Skip ahead to Section 13: What’s Next to see recommendations for how Somerville could approach these data gaps and build off the research done in this project in the years to come.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND BEST PRACTICES Section 6 Photograph by: Dr. Nicholas Dorian

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan General Recommendations and Best Practices Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | General Recommendations and Best Practices 91 90 Figure 31: The general recommendations found in this section include landscape and non-landscape items that anyone can begin to incorporate. SOFT LANDINGS Plant salt-, compaction-, and drought-tolerant native plants, max 18”HT under native street trees. Leave leaves in fall. Reduce Mowing: Mow every 2+ weeks. Reduce Lawn: Substitute with native flowering plants. Incorporate Flowering Plants: Add plugs or seed with max 6” species HT. LAWNS SIGN IT Let neighbors know this landscape promotes pollinators POLLINATOR POTS Plant pots with native species MEADOW Convert non-recreational lawn to meadows WOODY DEBRIS Leave sticks, stumps, and snags when safe REDUCE LIGHTING Close blinds at night. Turn off unnecessary outdoor lighting TREES Plant ‘keystone’ native species NATIVE PLANTINGS Replace non-natives with native plants GREEN ROOFS Use native plants Timing: Start AFTER May 1st. Bare Ground: Leave patches without mulch in back of bed, min 2’ diameter. Mulch: Use composted leaf mulch, not bark mulch (accommodates nesting insects). Dead Hollow Stems: Leave some 6-18”HT for 2 years (or break off and leave in bed after winter). SPRING CLEAN-UP Leave the Leaves: Rake fall leaves into planting beds. Don’t Cut Back Perennials: Leave as is or wait till March to cut back to 6-18”HT. Leave dead hollow stems for 2 years. FALL CLEAN-UP All Hands On Deck! Somerville is in a unique position where the City is eager to partner with citizens to create the groundswell of change necessary to help pollinators. Everyone can make a difference through small changes (closing your blinds) to big actions (installing and caring for a pollinator garden), and we need all hands on deck moving forward. See Figure 31 for a view of how this section will guide you through the general best practices and individual actions we can all take to help our pollinator neighbors. Habitat Creation The most effective way to support Somerville’s pollinators is to offer the habitat (an area that provides the specific food, shelter, and water requirements for a given species) they need throughout their entire life cycle. While those needs vary from pollinator to pollinator, this Plan encourages practices that support as many species as possible. There are three main types of habitats to consider: foraging (searching for food), nesting (creating a secure place to lay eggs), and overwintering General Recommendations and Best Practices • Plant native plants (east of the Mississipi, north of Virginia). • Plant larval host plants & ‘keystone’ species for trees. • Limit use of cultivars. • Consider urban conditions - rabbit tolerance, poor soils, salt, compaction. Include trees and shrubs. • Have flowers at all times from March–October. • Include warm & cool season grasses, sedges and rushes. • Use a base-matrix of local ecotype plants adapted to urban conditions to fill in between flowering plants. • Source plants grown without neonicotinoids (pesticides). • Limit lawns, add flowering plants (or let flowering weeds grow!). Spring Cleanup: Start AFTER May 1st Bare ground: Leave patches without mulch in back of bed. Mulch: Use composted leaf mulch, not bark mulch. Dead hollow stems: Leave some 6-18” tall for 2 years. Fall Cleanup: Leave the leaves: Rake fall leaves into planting beds. Don’t cut back perennials: Leave entirely or cut to 6-18” tall. Lawns: Reduce mowing to every 2 weeks or less often. Overall: Avoid pesticide use. Remove invasive species. • Reduce outdoor lighting & pull shades at night • Monitor pollinator sightings • Be a pollinator advocate, spread the word! Key Ideas: Landscape Maintenance Recommendations: Planting Recommendations: Non-Landscape Recommendations:

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan General Recommendations and Best Practices 92 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | General Recommendations and Best Practices 93 (the process of surviving the colder months when food is scarce). By providing these, Somerville will be supporting pollinators throughout their life cycle, year after year. These types of gardens are explained in more detail later in this section. But first, some general guidelines on habitat creation for pollinators: Foraging Habitat We all need to eat, including pollinator adults and babies. Increasing the amount of foraging habitat by planting flowering plants in Somerville’s fragmented urban environment directly supports pollinators. Pollinator adults are foraging for both pollen and nectar. Some are pollen specialists and require only very specific species of plants (approximately 15% of northeastern bees (Fowler, 2016)). Some are pollen generalists and can visit all plants. Some do not need pollen at all and are only looking for nectar. Many pollinator babies (i.e., larvae) need to eat the leaves of specific host plants to survive. This Plan provides recommendations for planting pollinator species that support all of the above. Plant lists for specific gardens that target foraging resources or larval host plants for specific pollinators, including at-risk species, are provided in Section 11: Pollinator Pantry (see Plant Lists and Monitoring Gardens) along with pre-designed garden plans (see Recipe Cards - Pots, Patches, Lawns) that provide an umbrella effect and benefit a wide range of species. Nesting and Overwintering Habitat To fully support Somerville’s pollinators, gardens designed to support them must include not only flowering forage resources but consideration of the specific nesting and overwintering needs of the species present and desired. Pollinators spend only a portion of their life cycle in their recognizable adult forms and much of their time is spent out of sight. Their various nesting and overwintering needs can be accommodated through garden design and maintenance decisions and are incorporated into the Planting Considerations, Nesting Sites, and Landscape Management/Maintenance sections below. Planting Considerations Plantings for Multiple Benefits Combine foraging and nesting habitat to ensure even the smallest pollinators, with the shortest range of travel, can find the food and nesting resources they need. The larger the pollinator garden you can provide, the better, but even small gardens and potted plantings will help support pollinators in the city. No matter the scale, intentional plant groupings help pollinators forage efficiently. Provide Native Plants Prioritize using east coast native plants (east of Mississippi and north of Virginia) to support Somerville’s pollinators. These species coevolved with the diverse array of native pollinators found here and as such are uniquely suited to support them. A native plant is one that was found naturally in our area pre-European settlement (Rodomsky- Bish, 2018). Although some non-native species may provide food for pollinators, native plants generally attract more pollinators than non-native species (Seitz, van Engelsdorp, & Leonhardt, 2020; Salisbury et al., 2015), and provide essential nesting and overwintering habitat. Native plants are vital to supporting native insects, in particular the specialist pollinators, at the bottom of the food web. These native plant and insect interactions are key to a functioning ecosystem. In Somerville, it is recommended to install plants native to the East Coast of the US and include a base matrix of plants that are locally native to the Boston Basin Ecoregion of Massachusetts (see Figure 32 and 33). It is worth noting that some of the plants historically suited to our soils and climate (Boston Basin Ecoregion) may not be well suited in the future. According to the 2022 Massachusetts Climate Change Assessment, with climate change and urbanization, the greater Boston area is getting hotter and wetter (EPA, 2016) and in 50 years is expected to be similar to the current climate of North Carolina (State of Massachusetts, 2022). By using a mix of local and regionally native plants, Somerville will develop a network of habitat that can adapt into the future. The goal is to plan for changing conditions so that any efforts made now will benefit pollinators while also tolerating increased heat, precipitation and urban pressures such as salt, rabbit browsing, and poor soils. Many pollinators have large ranges, and native plants from outside our immediate ecoregion are suitable for urban conditions and support many pollinators. Go Botany, created by the Massachusetts-based Native Plant Trust, is an excellent resource for looking up the native status of a plant. To learn more about each plant, refer to their Native Plant Finder. Provide Larval Host Plants Many species of pollinating insects must rely on specific larval host plants. Planting these species is vital to the survival of these specialist pollinators and will typically support the generalist pollinators too. A well-known example is how monarch butterflies must lay their eggs on milkweed (Asclepias spp.) for their larvae to feed on the leaves once they hatch. Milkweed flowers are an important foraging source for other pollinators as well. The host plants of our local and at-risk pollinator species have been included in the recommended plant lists and designed gardens (see Section 11). Use Cultivars of Native Plants (Nativars) Sparingly A cultivar, as defined by Becca Rodomsky-Bish (2018) of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is: A cultivated version of a plant bred by horticulturalists through cloning or hybridization, seeking to enhance an aesthetic quality or encourage disease resistance that can be maintained through propagation. This means these populations of plants may have different characteristics than what you would commonly find in the wild, even if they are still the same species. You can identify that a plant is a cultivar when the scientific plant name is followed by a descriptive name in quotes (Genus species “Cultivar”). Photo Source: Marshal Hedin, Flickr, 2007 A monarch (Danaus plexippus) on a butterlfy milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa). Monarch’s rely on Asclepias as larval host plants.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan General Recommendations and Best Practices 94 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | General Recommendations and Best Practices 95 Nativars, a term used to describe the cultivars of native plants, may be a cross of two more plants intentionally selected for desirable traits, or they may be a straight species of a plant collected from the wild and given a cultivar name (Rodomsky-Bish, 2018). For example, Aster ‘Purple Dome’ and Solidago ‘Fireworks’ are two native plants collected in the wild with desirable characteristics but sold under cultivar names (Caton, 2023). Cultivars are produced by nurseries through various reproduction methods including growing by seed or clonal cuttings. Clonal cuttings are exact replicas of the parent plant and have lower genetic diversity. Seeded plants have the benefit of higher genetic diversity which may be helpful for plants adapting to local conditions if they reproduce spontaneously in the future (Caton, 2023). Because there is so much variability where native cultivars are found, bred, and propagated, there is wide variability in how beneficial they are to pollinators. Some cultivars support pollinators as well as their straight species counterpart, and some do not. The research is mixed, and the data available on this subject is limited (Baker, 2020; Erickson, 2020; Ricker, 2019; Torrez, 2023; White, 2016). Choose nativars that look the most like their straight species counterpart, prioritizing bloom color and flower shape. In the nursery trade, nativars are often more available than the wild species. This is typically because there is demand for plants with specific traits such as a shorter height, flower color, longer bloom time, or double bloom. Give preference to straight species (not cultivars) when they will thrive in a particular site’s urban conditions since there is limited data on this subject and they are known to provide habitat for pollinators. However, where the straight species is not available, or if a site has challenging constraints like space and height limitations, the need for tolerance to rabbits, road salt, or specific aesthetic requirements, cultivars can be considered, especially if there is specific research that the cultivar may be supportive to pollinators. The Mount Cuba Center native plant trial garden reports and peer-reviewed scientific papers (Baker, 2020; Erickson, 2020; Ricker,2019; Torrez, 2023; White, 2018) are excellent resources for finding information on the pollinator benefits of specific cultivars. Carefully selected native cultivars are acceptable in a garden setting when their benefit to pollinators has been studied and documented. Any cultivar recommended in this Plan follows the rules above. Where seed-grown straight species are available, they are preferred since they maintain the maximum genetic variability. Ask your local nursery how their plant stock is propagated. Avoid Rare Native Plants Avoid using native plant species that are considered rare. This may seem contradictory to biodiversity goals, but nursery plants may be sourced from a different region than ours. This would unknowingly introduce non-native genetics to the area. If the plants reproduce spontaneously, this can impact the genetic pool of the rare local ecotype (an ecotype is a group of plants, animals, or other organisms within a species that has adapted to specific environmental conditions). Figure 32: Ecoregions of Massachusetts (Grow Native Massachusetts, 2024). Figure 33: Native plant species are the most reliably benefical for pollinators and should be prioritized.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan General Recommendations and Best Practices 96 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | General Recommendations and Best Practices 97 Key Term: Keystone Species Plants that support a large number of insect species, making them integral to the success and functioning of the entire food web. Ensuring these plants are present in Somerville is a key ingredient in supporting a healthy urban ecostystem. Right Plant, Right Place A wide variety of trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses can all provide pollinators food and shelter, but a successful planting strategy must be site-specific to assure survivability. For example, the City’s street trees must be able to survive compacted, nutrient-poor soil, pet waste, small tree pits, and regular pruning to provide clearance for pedestrian and vehicular travel. Choosing trees based solely on their benefits to pollinators without considering their needs will not assure their survival, especially as the climate changes. Before selecting plants, consider the solar exposure, soil type, moisture level, and potential challenges (roadside salt or hungry rabbits, for example). Plants must be able to thrive to support pollinators. See the pre-planned garden Recipe Cards in Section 11: Pollinator Pantry to support pollinators in a variety of specific site conditions. Poor Soil is Good Soil When working with urban soils, instead of amending to make rich garden soils, consider using them “as-is” and select native plants that thrive in those site conditions. Many native plants prefer infertile (poor) soils and if planted with high organic matter, will look good at first and then flop or decline over time. Amending with rich organic matter, like compost, can often encourage weed growth. Do less, use infertile soil to your advantage, and target the plant selection to the existing conditions whenever possible. When installing new soils for large construction sites, consider creating manufactured soils from locally available materials and matching your plants to it, rather than bringing in rich garden soils that can promote weed growth (Weaner, 2019). Prior to selecting plants, be sure to test soils for pH, nutrients, and soil texture to match plants to the resources available. Many urban soils are contaminated with lead and other pollutants, so also test for soil contamination. It is recommended that lead and metal contaminated soils be capped in an area and removed from human interaction. This (see Figure 34). Consider emulating the native plant communities of Massachusetts that grow together naturally using Mass Wildlife’s Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program’s Natural Community Fact Sheets and the base matrix locally native plant list provided in Section 11. Consider Bloom Time & Plant Groupings Install a variety of native plants that will bloom continuously from early spring through fall to feed pollinators throughout their active periods. For example, an ideal plant list will include three spring, three summer, and three fall blooming plants to ensure floral resources are available within all periods that pollinators may be active (see Section 5 for activity period by taxonomic group, and see Appendix B for species-specific activity periods). Within the selected plants, aim to have a diverse range of flower shapes (wide and flat like asters, deep tubes like lupines, etc.) to meet the needs and abilities of a wide variety of pollinators. Research indicates that laying out plants in clusters or swaths of single species at least 3 feet wide is beneficial when space allows (Mader et al., 2011). Planting a diverse array of native plants in this fashion provides ample foraging resources for pollinators, allowing them to feed efficiently and save energy for other activities necessary to thrive. Plant Vines, Shrubs, and Trees Include a variety of perennial flowers for foraging, but where space allows, add native vines, shrubs, and trees to provide food for lepidopteran (butterfly and moth) larvae, and early spring floral resources can often easily be accomplished by adding a layer of 6” of clean soil on top of contaminated soils and then pollinator plants can be installed in the new soil. Contaminants will not typically translocate into the above- ground plant parts during growth, therefore will not put pollinators at risk (Kennen and Kirkwood, 2015). However, with any contaminated soil found, consult the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 1. Create Ecological Plant Communities Strive to create communities of plants that will knit together in a tight network and thrive in similar conditions. Consider all levels of growth from low perennials to tall trees. Include fast-spreading groundcovers such as short sedges, grasses, and native Violas to fill in between plants and eliminate space for weeds to germinate. Plan for areas of bare open ground within the network of plants (see below, Nesting Sites) Photo Source: Prarie Moon Nursery, Salix discolor Willows (genus Salix) are considered keystone plant species and provide benefits for many pollinators included some willow specialist species.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan General Recommendations and Best Practices 98 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | General Recommendations and Best Practices 99 for all pollinators. Native trees and shrubs have been shown to support 14 times as many species as ornamental woody plants, so these are important to include in any landscape (Xerces, 2011). Research suggests that 14% of native species (including native species of oaks, willows, cherries, pines, and poplars) support 90% of butterfly and moth species (Narango et al., 2020). Prioritize using these keystone species (see Key Term on prior page) when selecting trees and shrubs. Swap out existing non-native landscape plants with natives and integrate native shrubs and trees into new plantings where space allows. Refer to Section 11: Pollinator Pantry for suggestions on which plants to use in Somerville including larval host plants and keystone species. For more information on keystone species, visit Homegrown National Park. For a list of species appropriate for use in Somerville, refer to the SPAP Comprehensive Plant List where there is an option to sort by keystone species. Provide “Cues to Care” Landscape architect Joan Iverson Nassauer’s research on why people often respond negatively to more wild-looking landscapes, especially in urban and suburban communities, led to the commonly accepted concept of “cues to care.” Nassauer theorized that people prefer recognizable landscapes that communicate a caring human intention or presence and are consistent with local cultural traditions or social norms for landscape appearance. Features such as well-maintained pathways, mown edges around wild-looking landscapes, seating areas, and informative signage can enhance the aesthetic experience while adding educational value (Li & Nassauer, 2020). Providing “cues to care” can increase public acceptance and support for sustainable practices (Li & Nassauer, 2020). Thoughtful landscaping that uses a diverse array of colorful, blooming plants in layered swaths organized by height can attract not only pollinators but also human NATIVE BLOOMING / LARVAL HOST PLANTS NATIVE TREE “KEYSTONE SPECIES” SOFT LANDING AREA “LEAVE THE LEAVES” “LEAVE THE LEAVES” BARE SOIL 2 FEET DIAMETER MINIMUM 6-18” HEIGHT LEAVE STALKS FOR NESTING DRIP LINE DRIP LINE GROUND NESTING BEES Letting all or part of your lawn grow long for at least the month of May can supplement the other actions described in this section by providing early resources. Photograph by: Shelby Chapman-Hale, Offshoots Figure 34: Minor adjustments in plant selection, layout, and maintenance can shift the urban landscape towards better supporting pollinators.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan General Recommendations and Best Practices 100 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | General Recommendations and Best Practices 101 admirers. By integrating beauty with functionality, urban gardens can create visually appealing spaces to learn about pollinators’ vital role. Consider including educational signs and mown edges around plantings that have a naturalistic style to signal care and intention. Plant Sourcing Although sourcing native plants can be more difficult than common ornamental plants, especially in large quantities, New England is home to many native plant specialist nurseries. Grow Native Massachusetts, a non-profit focused on providing resources to help private land owners shift towards ecological planting practices, compiled a list of native plant nurseries and seed sources. They have partnered with Homegrown National Park, a national non-profit focused on native plant advocacy, where a national native plant resource directory has been developed. Source plants that have not been pre-treated with pesticides, especially neonicotinoids, whenever possible and request that your local garden center/nursery do this if they are not already. Additional information on pesticide use in nursery plants and seed sources is provided later in this section. Re-think Lawns In addition to garden beds, lawns can provide a floral resource when they contain non-grass species and are allowed time to bloom. Mowing less area and/or less often and adding native species to create a “poly- culture” lawn can provide a beautiful green lawn area that can be used while still providing pollinator benefits (a poly-culture lawn includes a variety of different plant species instead of just one type of grass). Refer to the Pollinator Pantry section of this report for suggested poly-culture lawn mixes that can be created with seed or live plants. Refer to the maintenance best practices for more information on lawn management. Enhance Existing Gardens Existing gardens and lawns should be updated over time to make a shift towards supporting pollinators. As time and resources allow, replace non- native plants with native plants. Remove sections of lawn and replace with meadows or plant beds or allow areas to grow long and increase in diversity. As additions are made, consider the best practices outlined above to develop a diverse range of bloom times, provide larval host plants, and create nesting sites. Each step taken will build on the actions of your neighbors and City staff to create a diverse patchwork of habitat that more holistically supports Somerville’s pollinators. Vegetable Gardens / Urban Agriculture Vegetable gardening and urban agriculture are compatible with providing pollinator habitat. The keys are 1) to think about how commonly grown crops might be able to provide nectar and/or pollen resources for flower-visiting insects that occur within the city and 2) to be cognizant about how pest insects are controlled to make sure that pollinators are not harmed in the process. Recommendations to support pollinators in vegetable gardens and urban agriculture include: - Leave plants to bolt or flower to provide nectar resources. This includes herbs such as oregano, thyme, mint, and dill as well as vegetables like arugula all of which are typically grown for their leaves. Letting a portion of these crops flower can help feed urban pollinators. - Intentionally grow crops that support specialist bees. For example, zucchinis and summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) provide the only source of pollen for the specialist bee Peponapis pruinosa. And, cultivated tomatillos (Physalis philadelphica) provide the only source of pollen for two specialist bees within Somerville: the broad- footed cellophane bee (Colletes latitarsis) and the ground-cherry sweat bee (Lasioglossum pectinatum). - Reduce the frequency and depth with which you till your soil. In addition to disrupting valuable fungal networks in the soil, tillage can also disrupt pollinators that complete their life cycles within the soil. For example, many species of solitary bee nest directly in the ground and many nests occur within the top two feet of soil. Tillage that disturbs these dormant nests has the potential to destroy next year’s bees. - Plant flowering non-crop plants near your crops to attract crop pollinators. Many of the plant recommendations within this Plan can be grown alongside typical crop plants to increase the impact of your backyard agriculture and support robust harvests. - Identify gaps in bloom time in your yard and fill those gaps with non-crop flowering plants. For example, if your crops do not start blooming until mid-July, aim to include early season flowering plants to support pollinators such as bumble bees that need season-long resources. Without access to early season flowers, these pollinators won’t be available to pollinate your crops when they are needed. - Use non-chemical methods to control pests. Planting a diverse array of flowering plants can help to attract predators of common garden pests. Opting for disease-resistant varieties can reduce the need to spray fungicides. For a community garden or urban agriculture setting, consider drafting an integrated pest management plan as a community to minimize the use of pesticides across the site. Nesting Sites In addition to the nesting habitat needs described above, consider the following opportunities for creating nesting sites: Provide Warm & Cool Season Graminoids Including both warm-season bunch grasses and cool-season sedges (graminoids) can provide additional larval host plants for butterflies and moths and nesting sites for surface-nesting species of bumblebees (Mader et al., 2011). Each recommended planting plan in the Pollinator Pantry (Section 11) has included these warm- and cool-season species. Photo Source: Mining bee nesting, David Suzuki Organization

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan General Recommendations and Best Practices 102 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | General Recommendations and Best Practices 103 Pollinators have a range of nesting and overwintering strategies that can be accommodated by adjusting how landscaped areas are maintained (outlined in the next section). Provide Soft Landings When planting trees, especially keystone species, include a “soft landing” of native plants and leaf litter below the drip line (the edge of the canopy above) to allow caterpillars of moths and butterflies to drop down and access the soil below. If space does not allow for a soft landing below the full canopy, some is better than none. Providing native understory plantings (shrubs, grasses, or perennials appropriate for the site conditions) can boost the pollinator benefits even further by providing additional habitat. This is especially important below keystone tree species (Holm, n.d.). Provide Ground Nesting Bee Zones Ground nesting bees, which comprise approximately 70% of native species, need access to bare soil to form their nests in underground tunnels (Mader et al., 2011). Typically well-drained, sandy soils and areas with limited vegetation are ideal (Frischie et al., 2021; University of New Hampshire Extension, 2019). Keep a two-foot radius of soil free of bark mulch. Do not till and keep soil disturbance to a minimum to protect the nesting site. Do not use weed barrier fabrics because they make the ground impenetrable to bees. If necessary, only use mulch for the period of plant establishment, preferably composted leaf mulch (which bees can often dig through). Try to refrain from mulching in future years and let plants grow together. Alternatively, if mulch must be applied to plants, mulch the edges of the bed to create a maintained look, but leave the center open ground to provide nesting habitat.   Skip the Bee Boxes Bee boxes or bee hotels are commonly marketed as tools for supporting native bee populations. The idea is that solitary bees that nest in cavities above ground (about 30% of species) will build their nests in hollow tubes provided by the bee hotel. Despite their appeal, it is recommended that you do not install bee nesting boxes to support native bees. There is high uncertainty about their benefit. Limited evidence suggests that boxes designed to support native solitary bees often do a better job of attracting non-native species that can outcompete native bees, as well as solitary wasps (which are pollinators, but not necessarily the intended target) (MacIvor & Packer, 2016; Geslin et al., 2020). Provide Opportunity for Above Ground Nesting To support above ground nesting bees, follow the Landscape Management/Guidelines that follow this section to offer nesting opportunities. Bumble bees will use a variety of site conditions for nests, from clump-forming grasses, piles of sticks and decaying wood, abandoned bird houses, or holes in the ground (Mader et al., 2011). Consider leaving some areas relatively undisturbed to provide these spaces for bumble bees. Landscape Management / Maintenance How habitat areas are maintained is the critical next step towards supporting our pollinators. The following practices will support the creation of nesting sites and demonstrate how a few small changes in management can protect pollinators from being harmed by widespread landscape practices. In many cases, we can do more for our pollinators by doing less. Pesticides Pesticide use is a major contributor to insect decline worldwide (Sánchez- Bayo & Wyckhuys, 2019) and should be avoided whenever possible. Pesticide is an umbrella term that includes insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, which can each cause harm to insects (Xerces, n.d.). Avoid using pesticides in the landscape and try to purchase plants from growers who have pledged not to use them. Most seed suppliers will include information on any pre-treatment on the product information. However, sourcing live plants without pre-treatment of pesticides can be challenging and requires asking the grower to confirm. If a perennial plant has been pretreated with pesticides, it is best to snip off the blooms in the first year to avoid harming any insects that visit while the pesticides are still present. Trees and shrubs may continue to have systemic pesticides for several months to years in their biomass, so sourcing from growers that do not use pesticides is best (Xerces, 2021). Pesticides are often considered an integral part of traditional garden and lawn management, especially when invasive species removal is involved, but there are other options available that limit harm to pollinators, wildlife, and humans. The least impactful option is to use mechanical removal, or hand-pulling, of any weeds. While labor intensive, this process avoids the use of potentially harmful chemicals. In some cases, such as invasive species removal, the benefits of carefully applied herbicides may outweigh the risks. Pesticides should only be applied with caution by a licensed professional and following all manufacturer recommendations. Broad-scale use of pesticides to manage mosquitos or ticks is commonplace. Remember that these treatments will harm other insects (and food web) too. Consider alternative approaches to control, such as eliminating standing water (to break the mosquito breeding cycle), mowing or avoiding the edges between wooded areas and lawns (to minimize tick habitat), or other alternative approaches recommended by our local UMass Extension service. Invasive Species Removal Invasive plant species should be managed to limit further spread and make room for native plants that can support Somerville’s pollinators. The Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group (MIPAG) maintains a list of invasive species and those that are likely to become so in the coming years. Whenever these species are present, it is best practice to remove them to the greatest extent possible. In some cases, where small Photo Source: Naoshige Uchida, Mass Audubon

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan General Recommendations and Best Practices 104 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | General Recommendations and Best Practices 105 Fall Cleanup Fall is often a busy time for lawn and garden maintenance when practices center around preparing the landscape for winter. A widely accepted convention is to rake up leaves, cut perennials down to the ground, and bag up all the dead plant material to be sent off and composted off-site. This process misses the opportunity to renew existing soils with beneficial nutrients and create nesting and overwintering habitats for pollinators. The following small tweaks to the fall cleanup process are best practices for promoting pollinator habitat: Leave the leaves: Instead of raking up all the leaves, it is best practice to leave at least some leaf litter where it lands or mulch your garden beds with it to support overwintering and nesting pollinators. Walkways, patios, and other hardscape areas should be kept clear of leaves to reduce potential hazards, but these leaves can be moved into nearby planting beds. Avoid using a leaf shredder when possible as insects or their offspring may be a casualty. Using whole leaves from the site is the most beneficial for soil and wildlife, but it is still better to shred leaves on site than removing them entirely. Leaving leaves below tree and shrub species can provide “soft landings” to help butterflies and moths complete their life cycles (Holm, 2024). Leave some bare ground in 2-foot diameter patches for ground nesting bees. For more information on leaving the leaves, check out the Fall Neatening Guide developed by the Somerville Urban Forestry Committee. Keep perennial stalks, sticks, and dead wood: Rather than cutting perennials down to the ground, allow herbaceous plants to remain overwinter at their full height (this is beneficial for wildlife habitat and for seed dispersal and native plant reproduction). Where cutting is necessary, cut any hollow/open stemmed plants (such as iris flower stalks) to 6-18” height to provide potential bee nesting sites. These stalks should be left in place for 2 years to allow a complete nesting cycle. Each new season’s growth will cover up the old growth, so dead stems will be hidden once the garden grows in. Consider keeping a pile of woody debris (stems, branches) somewhere on site, as these can provide beneficial nesting sites for beetles, flies, and bees. Where grass and forb (herbaceous flowering plant) meadows are installed, keep plants at full height through the winter and only cut one time per year annually in late March. The texture of these plants can create a beautiful winter landscape to extend the beauty of the garden Spring Cleanup Wait until May 1st. Spring is a busy season for landscape maintenance and once again, one of the best ways to support pollinators is to do less, or at least wait until May when pollinators have woken from overwintering (about when the soils have consistently reached 50F), which gives time for many of the critters that are overwintering in the leaves and stems to emerge. It is typically safe to begin spring cleanup on May 1st. Once spring landscape care is underway, the following best practices should be followed: Leave leaves and some bare ground: When mulching your garden, leave some patches of bare ground, ideally in areas with well-drained sandy soils (Frischie et al., 2021), to allow for ground nesting habitat. To support soil health, consider switching to composted leaf mulch or mulching the garden with leaves that fell nearby. Avoid using a leaf shredder. Inspect leaves throughout the year to keep an eye out for signs of common fungal diseases like anthracnose and black tar spot. Remove any leaves with noticeable signs of fungal diseases. Visit UMass Extensions Professional Disease Guide for help identifying signs of stress on your leaves. Using composted leaf mulch will improve soil slowly by providing a decomposing source of organic matter and nutrients (Naikwade, 2014), which can be especially beneficial for plants in urban conditions and help pollinator plantings continue to thrive. and manageable groupings of plants like black swallow-wort or garlic mustard pop up, eradication (full removal) may be the goal. In other instances, leaving a plant and simply limiting its spread might be best. For example, if a black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia, native to the US but not Massachusetts) exists on an abandoned site, it is providing shade and pollinator benefit through its flowers and to pollinators that specialize on pea family species, like Somerville’s at-risk silver-spotted skipper (Epargyreus clarus). In this case, leaving the tree on site may be beneficial. Ecologically sensitive invasive species management is more nuanced than first meets the eye and a local expert or organization (like Green and Open Somerville who host invasive species removal events) can be a resource to help guide removal efforts. Once the goal level of invasive species mitigation is determined, it is time to consider what management strategies to employ. Mechanical removal (removal by hand, string trimmer, smothering, etc.) is typically the most ecologically sound practice but will require time and patience to achieve results. Many invasive species experts consider a careful combination of mechanical and chemical (pesticides) control to be best practice for certain difficult species. In this case, easily controlled methods like cut-and-paint/dab (cut a woody stem and carefully paint it with herbicides) are preferred and spray applications are strongly discouraged due to increased risk of pesticide drift. It is recommended that pesticide applications be conducted by a Massachusetts Department of Agriculture-licensed pesticide applicator. Private landowners are urged to work with one of these professionals, or if that is not possible to ensure that they carefully follow any instructions on herbicide packaging. Prioritize use of mechanical methods before considering herbicide applications. As previously stated in this document, pesticides are a major contributor to the decline of pollinators and should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Visit the MIPAG website additional information on invasive species removal including contractors that provide removal services. Photograph by: Cristian Umaña, Offshoots Volunteers install a new pollinator habitat outside of Somerville City Hall. Skip ahead to Section 12 to learn more about the demonstration garden.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan General Recommendations and Best Practices 106 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | General Recommendations and Best Practices 107 Leave some woody debris: Woody plant debris, sticks, stumps, etc., can provide a beneficial habitat for a variety of insects, including pollinators. Leave some dead pithy stems standing (pithy stems have spongy cell tissue in the center like raspberries or hydrangeas) between 6-18” height for 2 years or more to provide habitat for bees active in the summer and allow solitary bees to complete their nesting cycle. If some dead stalks must be removed for aesthetics, lay down the cut pieces on site around the base of existing plantings. Skip the pesticides: Avoid using pesticides (including insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides) in the lawn or garden. Leave the cobwebs: Leave outdoor cobwebs in place to support the potential for nesting ruby-throated hummingbirds who build nests by incorporating cobwebs (Cornell, 2024). Mow Less Lawn areas that do not need to be manicured for recreation or aesthetic purposes should be mowed less often or converted into habitat areas. In regularly mown lawns, allow the introduction of non-grass species (i.e., native flowering plants like violet, strawberry, and yarrow, or even common non-natives like clover) can contribute additional floral resources to support pollinators, especially in the early spring months when there are not as many options available. Massachusetts-based research has found that mowing every two weeks is the ideal frequency for supporting pollinators where lawns are required and poly-culture lawns (with small flowering plants) are preferred (Lerman et al., 2023). Mowing less provides the added benefit of reducing carbon emissions (or energy use), a goal outlined by the City of Somerville in the Climate Forward Plan. All mowing should occur during the day to limit impacts to insects (Owens, 2024), which is unfortunately the opposite of the EPA recommendation to mow in the evening to reduce formation of ground-level ozone (Osborne, 2018). Taking this all into account, mowing less space and less often (and with an electric mower) is the best option for pollinators and the climate. Lawns should also be organically managed. Fewer applications of fertilizers will result in a slower-growing lawn with deeper roots, which is more drought tolerant. This kind of lawn will require less mowing and less watering to stay green. Non-Landscape Recommendations Reduce Light Pollution Wherever possible, the amount of artificial light in the city should be reduced from dusk to dawn. Bees and butterflies do not have eyelids, and sources of bright artificial light alter their sleeping and seasonal patterns. In addition to bees and butterflies, moths and flies are nocturnal insects, and a light source directly over a garden will draw these insects away from the flowers that require pollination. One favorite summer insect, the firefly, is not a pollinator but has suffered from extensive light pollution. Firefly populations have decreased dramatically, and reducing artificial light will have the added benefit of supporting firefly populations (Owens, 2024). When lighting is not required for safety, the best practice is to eliminate lighting entirely. Where that is not possible, swapping in motion sensor lights or adding timers can help reduce light pollution. When selecting lightbulbs, look for warmer colors (golden/yellow), which will impact fewer wildlife species than colder (whiter/bluer) colors. Lights should have full cutoff shields, which point light down instead of up toward the sky. For additional information on best practices for outdoor lighting, refer to Dark Sky International. In the garden, consider creating dark zones. Use shrubs, hedgerows, or fences to screen ambient light and create pockets of darkness to support nocturnal insects in the city. Monitor Pollinator Sightings The SPAP provides a snapshot of pollinator observations through 2023 and can be a base point for comparing future observations. The best way to continue to monitor the species present is for the Somerville community to photograph pollinator sightings and post them to iNaturalist. Pollinators added to iNaturalist within Somerville will automatically be tallied into the SPAP project and will contribute to the ongoing understanding of the state of pollinators in the city and the efficacy of efforts to help them. For additional information on ongoing monitoring goals, refer to Section 5. Be a Pollinator Advocate Knowledge is power. People in Somerville all have the ability to make change by learning about pollinators and sharing that knowledge with their community. Speaking to your landlords, neighbors, friends, colleagues, and kids about the importance of pollinators and how everyone can pitch in is a very valuable contribution. Consider signing up for the SPAP email list on the SomerVoice Page to receive project updates or get involved with one of the local organizations doing boots-on-the- ground pollinator advocacy: - Earthwise Aware - Green & Open Somerville - Groundwork Somerville - Grow Native Massachusetts - Massachusetts Pollinator Network - The Somerville Community Growing Center Photo Source: K. Foresto, Mass Audubon

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan General Recommendations and Best Practices 108 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | General Recommendations and Best Practices 109 Nursery feedback loop: Help garden centers and plant growers understand the growing need for pesticide-free native plants. By calling or visiting area garden centers and asking for specific straight species of native plants, especially those grown without the use of neonicotinoids, community members can signal to growers that there is a market for those plants. Refer to Section 11: Pollinator Pantry and the Comprehensive Plant List for species. For talking points, the Xerces Society has excellent guides to Buying Bee- Friendly Plants. If you have 90 minutes watch their webinar, if you have 10 minutes read this guide, or if you have 2 minutes watch these short video clips to learn more. Stinging insect and allergy awareness: Many people are quite afraid of insects or have serious insect allergies to consider. This can raise concerns when discussing the implementation of pollinator gardens, especially at schools. However, it is important to note that many flower-visiting insects do not sting. Of the pollinators in Somerville, only bees and wasps possess stingers, and only the females of each species can sting. Even more, the vast majority of species are unlikely to sting since they are solitary and do not defend a social nest. When observing bees and wasps on flowers, there is an incredibly low risk of being stung if observed from a respectful distance. This means that planting flowers can be considered a safe activity even when it does attract bees and wasps to the garden. Education on this topic is important to convey to the community and educational signage should be included at all pollinator gardens. It is recommended that you avoid approaching the nests of ground- nesting yellowjackets (social wasps) and aerial yellowjackets or bald-faced hornets (social wasps), which are the most aggressive stinging insects among Somerville’s pollinators. Local pollinator species can be identified using many web-based tools. To learn more about insect identification, we recommend Heather Holm’s books “Bees” and “Wasps,” Skevington et al.’s Field Guide to Flower Flies of Northeastern North America, online guides from Tufts Pollinator Initiative, and the website watchingbees.com. Pollen allergies are another very common concern. Community members may worry that increasing pollinator gardens will increase the amount of pollen floating around the city. Many of the plants recommended require animal pollination versus wind pollination. Species that are major contributors to seasonal allergies are pollinated by wind. A common misconception is that native plants (like goldenrod) that bloom at the same time as wind pollinated plants (i.e., ragweed) are contributing to allergies. Planting pollinator-friendly plants will have little to no impact on seasonal pollen allergies. Suggested Reading, Listening, and Watching Ready to learn even more about pollinators and gardening? Check out these excellent resources: Podcasts The Joe Gardener Show by Joe Lamp’l Bug Banter by the Xerces Society Videos We’re Saving the Wrong Bees Ted Talk by Nick Dorian Fundamentals of Pollinator Gardening by Nick Dorian Let Your Garden Grow Wild Ted Talk by Rebecca McMackin Pollinator Conservation 101 by the Xerces Society PolliNation Podcast by Oregon State University Extension Service Pollinator Books Attracting Native Pollinators by The Xerces Society Bees by Heather Holm Butterflies through Binoculars by Jeffrey Glassberg Pollinators of Native Plants by Heather Holm Wasps by Heather Holm Northeast Native Plant Books A Northern Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators by Johnson, Colla, and Sanderson Native Plants for New England Gardens by Dan Jaffe The Northeast Native Plant Primer by Uli Lorimer Gardening How-To Books The Know Maintenance Perennial Garden by Roy Diblick Ecological Gardening Books Bringing Nature Home by Douglas W. Tallamy Garden Revolution by Larry Weaner and Thomas Christopher Nature’s Best Hope by Douglas W. Tallamy The Nature of Oaks by Douglas W. Tallamy Planting in a Post-Wild World by Thomas Rainier and Claudia West Photograph by: Shelby Chapman-Hale, Offshoots By asking your local garden center to carry pesticide-free, native, straight species plants, like northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin) seen above, you can help encourage them to increase the availability of these species over time.

PRIVATE SPACE RECOMMENDATIONS Section 7 Photograph by: Cristian Umaña, Offshoots

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Private Space Recommendations Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Private Space Recommendations 113 112 Approximately 90% of land in Massachusetts is privately owned. And while many parcels in Somerville are small, it is important to consider that each is a portion of a cumulative pollinator network. In this instance, the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts. Private landowners, managers, and renters can take the following steps to help pollinators. Refer to the previous section for more details about the best practices mentioned here. Planting Residents and owners of private spaces should prioritize adding or expanding pollinator plantings to support foraging and nesting habitats. These plantings can be any size, from pots on the porch/roof deck, or larger garden plots. Existing landscapes can be amended over time to increase pollinator value. Swap non-native plants out with native plants or consider a lawn conversion to include native flowering species, trees, or shrubs. Follow the best practices outlined in Section 6 and select plants that are suitable for the site. Even the most seasoned gardeners have failed many times; do not be afraid of experimenting to find out what works and what doesn’t on your site. Plants do not read textbooks and they might surprise you! If you are interested in providing a pollinator habitat but are not sure what plants to use, refer to Section 11: Pollinator Pantry for a broad list of pre-planned gardens. These gardens include a range of site conditions and sizes, so there is something for everyone and every space. If you are ready to create your own custom garden, please refer to the Comprehensive Plant List in the Pollinator Pantry to inspire your plant palette. It is recommended to include signage to inform your neighbors about your habitat creation. This can spark conversation and help the community begin to collectively understand the importance of pollinator habitat. Somerville Pollinator Action Plan signs are included in Appendix F and each sign includes a QR code for neighbors to link to additional information on the SPAP, resources, and ways to get involved. Landscape Management With or without adding native plant habitat, there are adjustments you can make in management that will positively impact pollinators. If you have a lawn: - Mow less often or mow less of your lawn. o Skip mowing part (or all) of your lawn for the month of May (or beyond) and let your lawn develop some plant species diversity (yup, weeds) to help feed the pollinators. o Starting in June, mow once every two weeks or less often. o Do not mow from dusk to dawn. o Set the mower at 3-4” height. - Do not use pesticides. - Consider overseeding a polyculture lawn mix (adding non-lawn species like yarrow or clover) to add biodiversity and floral resources to your lawn. If you have a garden: - Add a variety of native plants that will bloom throughout the year. - Do not apply pesticides. - Leave bare patches of soil; do not mulch all areas of all beds in the spring. - Use composted leaf mulch rather than bark mulch. - Do not use weed barrier fabrics. - Leave leaves to create your own leaf mulch on-site. - Do not cut perennials back in the fall; leave them till May 1st. - Do not put clippings in yard waste, put it back in the bed (unless invasive or diseased). - Leave some dead pithy stems at 6-18” height in the garden at all times. - Leave decomposing wood or brush in an undisturbed location on your property. - Remove any invasive plants. Private Space Recommendations Photo Source: Matthew Shepherd, The Xerces Society Adding singage can signal that you leave the leaves to support pollinators. Key Ideas: Actions for Renters, Homeowners, Developers, Business Owners & Employees: • Plant native plants wherever you can. Even small pots on porches make a difference. Swap out non-native existing plants with natives. • Use the ‘Recipe Cards’ of pre-designed plantings of various sizes to install attractive, native gardens (see Section 11: Pollinator Pantry). • Change maintenance practices: Doing less is doing more (see Section 6 for more details)! • Use pollinator-forward maintenance contractors that understand sustainability and ecology. • Ask garden centers for plants grown without pesticides and straight species. • Limit outdoor lighting: Remove outdoor lighting when safely allows & pull your shades at night.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Private Space Recommendations 114 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Private Space Recommendations 115 Tips for Renters You do not need to be a landowner or manager to help pollinators! The majority of Somerville residents are renters and there is so much you can do to help. With the best practices outlined in Section 6 in mind, consider taking these steps: - Speak with your landlord, school, place of worship, and/ or employer about this Plan and see if they are willing to take steps to add pollinator habitat or adjust their current maintenance practices. Remember, the ask is typically: “can we do less?” This saves money and time, which is often well received. - Add native potted plants to your patio, balcony, or front steps to help build a network of food resources throughout the city. A larger three-foot pot would be ideal, but groupings of smaller pots and individual small pots can all help—especially if many people make this shift. - Talk to your local garden center and ask if they carry pesticide- free native plants. Ask to see their native straight species selection. - Help reduce nighttime light pollution by closing your curtains or blinds. - Become a pollinator advocate and get involved in helping spread the word about this Plan and the role we can plan in urban pollinator habitat with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. - Identify insects around Somerville to record which pollinators are in Somerville and whether our actions are making a difference. See above for more details. With approximately 66% of housing units being renter-occupied throughout the city, there is a tremendous possibility for renters to contribute towards the goals of this plan (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.). For a simplified checklist of the recommendations in this section, see Appendix E. Become a Pollinator Advocate The small actions of many build to make a big impact. Every resident can be an advocate for Somerville’s pollinators by spreading the word about the importance of pollinators and the value of urban habitat. This can look like talking with neighbors about steps you’re taking on your own property or asking plant nurseries for pesticide-free plants. Follow the steps outlined in Section 6 to learn how to advocate for Somerville’s pollinators within the community, at local garden centers, and beyond. See Section 13: What’s Next for ideas on how to keep the momentum going. Log Insect Observations This Plan relied upon data collected by volunteers and citizen scientists. To understand the efficacy of SPAP actions and to fill in gaps in the current data, all residents can take part in collecting observations of insects on flowers (Section 13 describes these data needs in more detail). Each individual record, be it in a park or backyard, builds a valuable Non-Landscape Recommendations Reduce Artificial Lights at Night Private landscapes can help take steps toward reducing the amount of localized light pollution in the city. Somerville is 88% privately owned and 42% residential area, and the community and private businesses can take the simple steps outlined in Section 6 to reduce light pollution. Key takeaways include: - Close blinds or curtains after dark to limit the amount of light spilling out from windows. - Turn outdoor lights off or put on a timer. - Shine lights down and use full cutoff fixtures to prevent light shining up. - Use warm-colored light bulbs (3000 kelvin is ideal). picture of Somerville’s pollinator habitat. The web platform and app iNaturalist stores thousands of observations and community groups like Earthwise Aware train and organize residents to gather insect data across the city. This is a powerful way that everyone can pitch in. Pollinator Pledge Opportunities Commit to supporting pollinators and get your habitat on the map by signing the SPAP pollinator pledge and/or one of the following national pollinator network pledges. Click the links below or refer to Appendix G for the web addresses: - Homegrown National Park – Biodiversity Map - National Wildlife Federation – Certified Wildlife Habitat - Pollinator Partnership – Bee Friendly Gardening - Pollinator Pathway - Wild Ones – Certified Native Habitat - Xerces Society – Pollinator Protection Pledge Consider signing up with one of the existing pledges noted on the next page and adding signage to help spread the word and raise awareness about best practices for Somerville’s pollinators. SPAP signs (shown above) are available in Appendix F to print or have printed as 17” diameter yard signs. POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE supports urban pollinators! This Natural Landscape These leaves, sticks and uncut stems are supporting nesting pollinators POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE These leaves, sticks and uncut stems are supporting nesting pollinators to support the pollinators! Embrace Wild POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE This yard is supporting pollinator habitat by mowing less often Low-Mow Summer No-Mow May POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE This garden is supporting nesting habitat for pollinators Sleeping Here! Baby Pollinators Shhhhhhh! POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE This garden is supporting nesting and overwintering habitat for pollinators Love the Pollinators! Leave the Leaves POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE This yard supports pollinators throughout their life cycles Welcome Here! Pollinators are

LANDSCAPE SERVICES RECOMMENDATIONS Section 8 Photograph by: Shelby Chapman-Hale, Offshoots

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan 118 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | 119 Landscape Services Recommendations Landscape Services Recommendations 119 118 Professionals in the landscaping industry have a huge impact on habitat for pollinators. Where these animals like it natural and wild, humans often like it ordered and neat. How can we change our management routines and the expectations of our customers to create landscapes that are more productive for all? In the case of pollinators, doing less gets us more. Update Landscape Management Practices Landscape professionals, including maintenance contractors, Department of Public Works (DPW) staff, janitors, and others performing landscaping services, can refer to the non-conventional best management practices detailed in Section 6 for lawn and planting areas. A short summary checklist of pollinator-friendly practices is provided below (see Section 6 for the “WHY” behind these recommendations). It is recommended that a management sheet (see Appendix E for a sample checklist) be printed and laminated as a reference for work trucks and shared with all staff and subcontractors. Fall Maintenance - Do not cut back perennials in the fall. Leave at full height for the winter. Encourage your clients to appreciate the seed heads and winter texture. Where a neat appearance is required, cut back only plants along the edge of beds to 6-18” height, not to ground. - Leave fall leaves to the greatest extent possible in existing beds. When a neat appearance is required, rake edges and leave leaves in the center of beds. - Avoid leaf blowing to the greatest extent possible, especially with gas-powered blowers. Spring Cleanup - Wait until May 1st to complete spring cleanup and perennial cutbacks. Leave perennial stalks where possible—if trimming is necessary cut to 6-18” height, not to the ground. - Eliminate the use of bark mulch where possible. When mulch is required, mulch with composted leaf mulch from a local, quality-oriented source, and only install as much as necessary to create neat edges. Where longer-term weed suppression is critical (such as in tree pits or infrequently maintained public bed edges), use natural pine bark mulch from a recycled source. Do not use dyed mulches. - Do not install weed fabric. Unless there is a concern with potentially contaminated soils and it is being used as a barrier, landscape/weed fabric should be avoided. - Leave patches of bare ground in plant beds for nesting habitat wherever possible. Where a clean edge is desired, mulch only bed edges and leave open ground between plants. - Mow meadows only 1x annually in late spring (March or later). Landscape Services Recommendations For pollinators, less is more! If clients want a tidier look, recommend that they keep 6-18” perennial stalks and show them photos of how beautiful winter landscapes can be, like this planting in Charlestown, MA at Hood Park. Photograph by: Nelle Ward, Offshoots Standard Practices Updates for Landscape Professionals: Fall Maintenance: Don’t cut back perennials! Leave fall leaves. Avoid leaf-blowing when possible. Spring Cleanup: Wait until May 1st to start! Eliminate the use of bark mulch, use composted leaf mulch. Leave patches of bare ground. Mow meadows only once in late March. Lawns: Mow every 2+ weeks & only mow where necessary. Overall: • Avoid using pesticides. • Add pollinator habitat signage. • New plantings/transition existing plantings to native plants. + See Comprehensive Plant List spreadsheet and pre-designed gardens in Section 11. • Educate your clients! • Create a demand for pollinator-friendly plants. Ask your plant sources for pesticide-free native plants and straight species (even if you know the nursery doesn’t carry them). Key Ideas:

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan 120 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | 121 Landscape Services Recommendations Landscape Services Recommendations 120 121 Lawn Care Practices Do not start mowing lawns until as late in May as possible. Identify the lawns that are not athletic fields and mow those last. Where appropriate, shift mowing intervals to every two weeks or more. - Only mow where necessary for passive and active recreational purposes (i.e., open lawns for gathering, sports fields, play areas, etc.). Let other areas grow out to meadow heights (approximately 18-36”). - Convert non-recreation lawns to polyculture low- or no- mow areas by aerating and overseeding in September and October with polyculture seed mixes. Convert lawns to meadow resources by letting them grow out and adding live plug plants as recommended in Section 11: Pollinator Planting - Lawn Conversions. Signage - Install signage at all plantings and lawns where pollinator- supporting landscape practices are used. New Plantings - Use native plants. Whenever possible, plant straight species that are grown from seed, rather than cultivars, and purchase plants from growers committed to growing without pesticides. - Where annuals are required for continual summer color, plant annuals that best support pollinators, see Section 11: Pollinator Pantry. - Where straight species of native plants get too tall later in the season, use the “Chelsea Chop:” cut the plant to half its size in late May to control the overall height of the plant. The plants will flower later in the season, but the height will be controlled. - Create plant diversity by using a variety of native plants that bloom throughout the year. - Do not use weed barrier fabrics in garden beds unless there is a potential for contaminated soil. - Leave bare ground in a discrete portion of the garden bed approximately two feet wide. - Use composted leaf mulch instead of bark mulch. - Avoid using pesticides of any kind. - For plant lists and pre-designed gardens that strongly consider garden aesthetics and pollinators, see Section 11: Pollinator Pantry. - Remove any invasive species present on site using best management practices and avoid pesticides when other removal options are available. Transitioning Existing Plantings - Amend existing plant beds following the best practices and recommendations for new plantings, soils, mulch, and maintenance described in Section 6. - Supplement with beneficial native plants. Consider the existing plants on a site and add species that provide additional bloom periods and/or are larval host species (see the Comprehensive Plant List or Section 11 for plant suggestions). - Add native shrubs and trees for their early spring floral resources, especially larval host species. Use these additions to create dark refuge areas in the garden to support nocturnal pollinators. - Remove any invasive species present on site using best management practices and avoid pesticides when other removal options are available. Non-Landscape Recommendations - Educate your clients. Promote pollinator best practices by speaking with clients about the benefits of following the above garden practices and reducing landscape lighting. - Ask your plant sources for pesticide-free native plants. Requesting native plants grown without pesticides, especially neonicotinoids, will help growers and nurseries see that there is a growing need for these plants. - Ask your plant sources for your ideal pollinator-friendly plant list, even if you know they don’t carry them. Let the suppliers know there is a demand for those species. For a simplified checklist of the recommendations in this section, see Appendix E. Photographs by: Luisa Oliveira A manicured edge provides a ‘cue to care’ for a low-mow lawn in France. Ask your clients if they would like you to install signs. It can help ease fears of properties looking unkempt if the neighbors know there is a reason behind these practices.

PUBLIC SPACE AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS Section 9 Photograph by: Chris Rycroft, Pathway in Prospect Hill Park, Flickr

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Public Space and Policy Recommendations Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Public Space and Policy Recommendations 125 124 Public Space and Policy Recommendations Collaboration Across City Departments and Public Agencies As of 2024, there are 174.3 acres of open space in Somerville (6.6% of the total land area). Of that, the City owns and manages 63.6 acres or 36.5% while the State of Massachusetts (including DCR, MassDOT/ MBTA) owns 86.4 acres or 49.5%. The remaining portion is owned by private entities. Managing public lands is complex, but it becomes even more so when many public entities are involved. It requires local and state resources, specialized knowledge, and the understanding that complex considerations and liabilities are a factor. The public open space managed by the City of Somerville and the State of Massachusetts presents its own unique set of challenges. While acknowledging this, public entities should work together to implement the recommendations of this section on all public lands wherever appropriate and possible. In reviewing existing Somerville City Ordinances, policies and guides, it is clear that much thought has been given to ecological and environmental goals and aspirations. More than most municipalities, Somerville has a number of environmentally forward initiatives: form-based zoning, a Green Score requirement, a Tree Preservation Ordinance, Native Species Ordinance, Dark Sky compliant lighting guidelines, and a guide for its Privately Owned Public Spaces. A number of measures in these documents already support the creation of pollinator habitat and it would be great to see these replicated in other cities. Shared Vision – Planning Documents Somerville has made an active effort in recent years to carefully consider and plan for the City’s future in the face of rapid social and environmental change. The goals of the following planning documents overlap with the goals of this Plan. As future implementation of these plans takes place, the City should review the proposals below to ensure social, environmental, and pollinator benefits are collectively addressed. Applicable zoning ordinance policies are reviewed later in this section. Climate Forward Climate Forward is Somerville’s plan to create a strong, healthy community in the face of climate change while simultaneously reducing climate pollution, also referred to as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and dependence on fossil fuels. The climate action plan takes a detailed look at GHG emissions from the community, local government, and school operations. The Plan identifies key overlapping goals with other City plans, including the Somerville Pollinator Action Plan. Climate Forward and the SPAP both identify an opportunity to consider the long-term ecological and social benefits of providing permeable, planted space and trees throughout the city. However, the embodied energy and emissions associated with conventional landscape management practices are not explicitly listed as a factor in Climate Forward. According to the EPA, up to 5% of emissions in the US are likely due to gas-powered mowers which can produce more emissions running for an hour than an average vehicle will on a 500-mile road trip (Osborne, 2018). A shift in City and community practices away from fossil fuel-based management (mowing, string trimming, leaf blowing, etc.) and towards a reduction in overall maintenance (reduce mowing, leave the leaves where appropriate, increase natural plantings) can help us achieve the goals and objectives outlined in Climate Forward. Pollinator meadow test plots at DCR’s Blessing of the Bay Park, Somerville. Photograph by: Cristian Umaña, Offshoots Actions for Public Land Management: In Somerville, the City manages 52% of public land and the State manages 48%. • Somerville has many progressive initiatives that are already making progress including: the Native Plant Ordinance, Climate Forward, Urban Forest Management Plan, form-based Zoning Ordinance, and the Tree Protection Ordinance. • Continued collaboration between City departments and with State partners will be key to ongoing success of this work. • The City should continue to prioritize planting native species and begin to consider the additional best practices outline in this report when creating habitat. • Signage and education are key. • The Mayor should consider signing the Bee City USA pledge. Key Ideas:

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Public Space and Policy Recommendations 126 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Public Space and Policy Recommendations 127 Keep Cool Somerville Strategy Toolkit The Keep Cool Somerville Strategy Toolkit, prepared by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council in 2021, reviews strategies Somerville can take to help cool buildings, neighborhoods, and communities in the face of rapid global environmental change. The following strategies for cooling can easily overlap with the best practices for pollinators by utilizing plant species with pollinator benefits (as outlined in this report) to provide social and ecological benefits: - Develop cooling design standards and guidelines for parks and other civic spaces. - Develop a connected network of cool corridors. - Include cooling green infrastructure in routine streetscape upgrades. - Expand, preserve, and maintain the urban tree canopy. As these strategies are implemented, the City should consult this report to ensure both the longterm needs of residents and pollinators are met. Urban Forest Management Plan In 2021, the City published the Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP), providing an analysis of the current urban canopy and visions for increased environmental and social benefits to support urban wildlife and combat the impacts of climate change (described in the Climate Forward and Climate Risk Assessment reports). The Plan outlines goals of increasing canopy and native plant species that overlap with this Plan and Climate Forward. The Comprehensive Plant List and recommended tree species in the SPAP can be used as a supplement to the findings of the Urban Forest Management Plan. Create More Habitat To promote pollinator foraging and nesting habitat, the City should continue to prioritize the use of native plant species in all parks and open spaces. In support of its 2021 Native Species Ordinance, this Plan provides a more nuanced tool to guide pollinator plantings in public spaces throughout the city. It should be used by planners and designers to create public spaces that support pollinators throughout their life cycle. In the long term, it would be ambitious but ideal to include and care for pollinator habitat in every feasible public park to build a robust habitat network. As seen in Figure 35, the following framework is recommended for prioritizing pollinator habitat in public spaces: 1. Identify opportunities for planting in existing parks. These interventions can prioritize plants with high pollinator value in existing planting beds and can be done over many years as funds become available. Pollinator plantings can also be mapped to understand their contributions to creating patches and corridors. 2. Prioritize the creation of habitat in Wards One and Two. These wards were observed to have the lowest number of pollinator species recorded in the city (which is potentially due to a lack of recorded observations in the area). They are also predominantly Environmental Justice Communities, identified as areas that would benefit from additional green space, high vulnerability to heat and flooding, less available permeable space, and the lowest current canopy cover. Therefore, the pollinator planting interventions would address numerous City goals in these areas. Due to the high levels of artificial light observed in these wards, new habitat should follow best practices for creating dark pockets for nocturnal pollinators. COMMUNITY GROWING CENTER POLLINATOR GARDEN CITY HALL POLLINATOR GARDEN BLESSING OF THE BAY POLLINATOR GARDEN MORSE KELLEY PLAYGROUND POLLINATOR GARDEN COMMUNITY PATH POLLINATOR GARDEN LINCOLN PARK POLLINATOR GARDEN LINCOLN PARK POLLINATOR GARDEN Figure 35: Prioritized areas for potential pollinator habitat in Somerville, MA.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Public Space and Policy Recommendations 128 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Public Space and Policy Recommendations 129 3. Create habitat in areas near water bodies. Increasing pollinator plantings in areas located along (or within 500 meters of) the Mystic River links pollinators to an extensive open space resource that has various types of existing habitat already in place (wooded riparian edge and meadows). Since this land is predominantly owned by DCR, the City should continue to partner with them to assure this vital riparian zone provides an abundance of habitat. Riparian zones are already required to be planted with 100% native species which is a huge first step towards this goal. 4. Recognizing how scarce land is in Somerville, the City should identify opportunities for creating habitat in areas within 500 meters (1,640 feet) of an existing habitat area (as identified in SPAP research or ongoing monitoring), research ownership and identify funding opportunities for the design, implementation, and maintenance of pollinator gardens in these areas. Ideally, these gardens will be 30 square feet (sq ft) or greater to be able to support a minimum of 3 sq ft for each plant species and provide species that bloom in each season (spring, summer, and fall - 3 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft = approximately 30 sq ft) using the best practices outlined in this section for foraging, nesting, and overwintering habitat. However, where this amount of space is not available, new habitat installation or amending existing plantings to include native habitat of any size is still beneficial and should be considered. Over time, by following this framework, a network of pollinator habitats could be developed throughout Somerville. Any pollinator habitats in City-owned parcels should double as demonstration gardens and include signage explaining the planting and management strategy. They should follow best practices to create biodiverse pollinator gardens. These gardens can also be target areas for future species monitoring. As the City and community create new habitat, this prioritization analysis should be revisited and revised to meet the updated needs of pollinators in the area. Consider Public Tree Opportunities Public space and street trees pose a critical opportunity for the city to provide valuable pollinator resources. The following considerations should be added to the complex set of requirements for selecting street trees and public realm trees. Selecting the appropriate tree to use at each individual site through the city is an incredibly complex task (see Figure 36). Taking these factors into consideration, the City plants native trees wherever appropriate (see the section on Native Planting Ordinance below for more information). Wherever appropriate site conditions exist, they should prioritize using trees listed in Table 16 that are observed to have pollinator value in Somerville, especially those with spring blooms, to provide floral resources for early-season pollinators. Throughout the city, consider the additional species listed in Table 17 that are known to have pollinator benefits but have not yet been observed with pollinator interactions in Somerville. If room and site conditions allow, create a soft landing below the tree (i.e., leaving the leaves below the canopy of both new and existing trees as described in Section 6). This practice is especially beneficial for the trees identified as top keystone species for butterfly and moth caterpillars in Somerville’s ecoregion: a. Acer rubrum, red maple b. Acer saccharum, sugar maple c. Populus tremuloides, quaking aspen d. Prunus americana, American plum e. Prunus serotina, black cherry f. Prunus virginiana, chokecherry g. Quercus alba, white oak h. Quercus rubra, red oak i. Salix nigra, black willow (from Homegrown National Park, Dr. Douglas Tallamy) 20’-0” MINIMUM TO INTERSECTION 20’-0” MINIMUM TO STOP SIGN 10’-0” MINIMUM TO STREET LIGHT 15’-0” TO 40’-0” TO ADJACENT TREE 1’-0”MIN 3’-0”MIN TO WALKWAY 3’-0”MIN TO DRIVEWAY 5’-0”MIN TO POLE 5’-0”MIN UTILITY 3’-0” CLEAR WALKWAY HYDRANT 3’ X 6’ MIN TREE WELL Figure 36: Urban street tree placement and species selection includes a complex analysis of site conditions including the site constraints shown above. Photo Source: Nigel Dunnett, Grey to Green Drawing by Cortney Kirk

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Public Space and Policy Recommendations 130 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Public Space and Policy Recommendations 131 The top species recommended by Homegrown National Park for this region is Acer rubrum or red maple. However, according to the UFMP, red maple comprised 10% of Somerville’s public trees at the time of the inventory (over 1,300 trees), so the use of other species is encouraged to establish diversity throughout the city. Where these and other keystone species exist already, the City should consider if there is potential to provide a soft landing if space, safety, and site programming conditions allow. A note on boxelder (native to Somerville but often viewed as an undesirable invader, i.e., weedy) and black locust (native to the southeastern US but considered invasive by MIPAG): these species are not recommended for planting in Somerville. However, where they do occur it is worth noting that they do have pollinator benefit. Boxelder (Acer negundo) is considered a keystone species by the work of Dr. Tallamy and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a larval host plant. These species should be reviewed on an individual basis to determine if it is beneficial for them to remain where possible. Refer to the SPAP Comprehensive Plant List for additional beneficial tree species, including additional keystone species. Create Educational Opportunities City-installed and managed habitats have a unique opportunity to provide information to the public about pollinators and urban ecology. A series of signs are included in Appendix F and can be used as a starting point for developing educational signage that explains why the plants and management practices are shifting in Somerville. Update Public Landscape Management Practices There are a number of considerations and user needs that the City must consider for management of its landscapes. For example, leaving leaves or piles of leaves could be unsafe because someone could slip on wet/frozen leaves and fall. Areas of the city must remain lit because of safety concerns. Athletic fields need to be mown. City departments such as Public Works (DPW), Public Space and Urban Forestry (PSUF), and Engineering should work collaboratively to identify and prioritize where these recommended management practices are appropriate and actionable. These updates should be worked into a revised set of citywide Standard Operating Procedures and specifications for soils, planting, seeding, and ongoing maintenance. For a graphic summary of the management recommendations, refer to Appendix E. It is recommended that the management sheet be printed and laminated as a reference for relevant City staff including DPW and shared with all subcontractors. Table 16: Recommended Trees with observed pollinator value Scientific Name Common Name Acer rubrum red maple Acer saccharum sugar maple Amelanchier arborea downy serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis Canada serviceberry Amelanchier laevis Alleghany serviceberry Amelanchier laevis 'spring flurry' spring flurry serviceberry Benthamidia (Cornus) florida flowering dogwood Castanea pumila chinquapin/dwarf chestnut Cercis canadensis eastern redbud Crataegus spp. hawthorn Ilex opaca holly Liriodendron tulipifera tulip poplar Malus spp. Crabapple Prunus americana wild plum/American plum Prunus pensylvanica fire cherry / pin cherry Prunus serotina black cherry Prunus virginiana choke cherry Quercus alba white oak Quercus bicolor swamp white oak Quercus coccinea scarlet oak Quercus palustris pin oak Quercus rubra red oak Salix nigra black willow Sassafras albidum sassafrass Tilia americana basswood/linden Table 17: Additional Recommended Tree Species Scientific Name Common Name Betula alleghaniensis yellow birch Betula lenta sweet birch/cherry birch Betula nigra black birch Betula papyrifera paper birch Betula populifolia gray birch Carpinus caroliniana hornbeam Carya cordiformis bitternut hickory Carya glabra pignut hickory Carya ovata shagbark hickory Carya tomentosa mockernut hickory Catalpa speciosa northern catalpa Celtis occidentalis hackberry Magnolia virginiana sweet bay magnolia Ostrya virginiana hop hornbeam Pinus rigida pitch pine Pinus strobus eastern white pine Populus deltoides eastern cottonwood Populus spp. aspens Populus tremuloides quaking aspen Quercus velutina black oak Ulmus americana American elm

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Public Space and Policy Recommendations 132 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Public Space and Policy Recommendations 133 (c) No person in control of property shall store, place, or permit to be stored or placed any wood out of doors in a manner which may reasonably provide rodents or other animals with harboring places. (d) No person in control of any property shall allow to remain any decayed, dead, or hazardous trees or tree limbs potentially injurious to the public health and safety or property. While these items may limit some of the best practices outlined in this Plan, they are intended as a preventative measure to limit neglect of absent property owners, including harboring rodents and creating obstacles on sidewalks. It is vital that the right of way remains clear and accessible to provide safe circulation for all Somerville residents. In an effort to better support the goals of this Plan, the language of this ordinance could be adjusted to allow woody debris and unmanaged landscapes at a specific setback from public sidewalks and rights-of-way. A mown lawn or groundcover verge could be established as a standard requirement to allow a transition between pollinator habitat and public spaces. However, adjustment will require careful consideration of the many factors at play in a dense urban environment with very small front yards. In the meantime, working closely with staff in the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) to clarify what they are looking for when they are enforcing this ordinance is a short-term and actionable objective. Through collaboration between Somerville’s PSUF division and ISD, some minor adjustments may present themselves and can inform further action on the overgrowth ordinance. Zoning Ordinance - 10.3 Landscaping The landscape requirements outlined in Section 10.3 do not include habitat or sustainability goals. However, required Green Score calculations (10.4) do encourage the use of native plants and all plans are reviewed by PSUF. There is an opportunity to revise the purpose statement language Municipal Policy and Planning Recommendations Zoning Development Standards and Ordinances The Somerville Zoning Ordinance that was passed in 2019 lays the groundwork for an urban area that is ready to support pollinators. Many policies (including some added in the years since the initial adoption) provide an excellent starting point for the goals of this Plan. Future ordinances that consider planting or lighting of open spaces should refer to the recommendations in this document to further refine and home in on practices that support pollinators. The following existing policies have been reviewed for their compliance with best practices, and recommendations for potential adjustments have been proposed where relevant. Native Planting Ordinance In 2021, the City Council amended the Code of Ordinances to include an ordinance that applies to all plantings by the City. This ordinance supports the pollinator best practices for native planting by encouraging the use of straight species sourced from nurseries that do not use neonicotinoids (requirement beginning January 1, 2026) and requiring the following minimum native plant percentages for all new City plantings: - 100% native planting in: - Riparian areas - The community path - 50-100% native planting* in: - Bioswales - Plazas - Streetscapes (50% min. with goal to increase over time) - Other City-owned property * 100% preferred. Up to 50% non-native plant species only as necessary to meet difficult site conditions or use requirements. - 75% minimum annual native planting in: - City parks - No minimum requirement: - Community gardens (native encouraged where feasible) - Volunteer-planted flower bulb plantings - Lawns - Athletic fields - Holiday, seasonal, and annual decorative plantings - Extensive green roofs (native encouraged where feasible) In addition to these requirements, which have been met every year since the ordinance was passed, the City should strive to achieve: - 33% of native plants that typically bloom in spring (before June 15th), with most of these being trees and shrubs. - 33% of native plants that typically bloom in the summer between June 15th and August 1st. - 33% of native plants that typically bloom after August 1st. Overgrowth - Ordinance No. 2011-03. An amendment to Section 9-56: Vegetation and wood on private property made in 2011 includes several provisions that are potentially detrimental to the proposed landscape management adjustments made in this Plan. The ordinance states that properties adjacent to public right of way or sidewalks cannot leave “any overgrowth of grass, shrubs, and weeds growing in or around such sidewalk or public right of way.” Additionally, it states that: Photograph by: Cristian Umaña, Offshoots Native plantings in a green infrastructure system along the Charles River Greenway in Brighton, MA.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Public Space and Policy Recommendations 134 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Public Space and Policy Recommendations 135 to include supporting habitat and adjusting landscape maintenance practices to reflect pollinator best practices where appropriate. Similar to the recommendation for Ordinance No. 2011-03, include leeway for pollinator habitat that is unmown and allowing dead wood to remain, as well as allowing or encouraging some bare ground for pollinator nesting habitat. Zoning Ordinance – 10.3.8 Vegetated Roofs The Vegetated Roofs development standards (10.3.8) require green roofs on 80% of the roof coverage for major renovations and new buildings with flat roofs in the “Mid-Rise, High-Rise, Assembly Square Mixed- Use, or Commercial zoning districts, except development subject to the Affordable Housing overlay district.” Vegetated roofs typically have difficult growing conditions. Structural requirements often dictate the use of shallow, lightweight soil which does not maintain adequate soil moisture for some plants. They can also be harsh and windy environments, especially in winter. Due to these conditions, many vegetated roofs require plants that can thrive in exposed, dry conditions with shallow soil. However, the Green Score bonus options can be edited to incentivize using native plants if a pollinator- friendly maintenance plan is in place and as site conditions allow (for example, extensive roofs on a shed, bus shelter, or low building story may be difficult to vegetate with native plants due to slim soil profile/ dry soils). Vegetated roofs with a shallow soil profile may not provide beneficial ground nesting habitat for pollinators but can provide foraging habitat with the correct plant species diversity (Dusza et al., 2020). To provide foraging resources, native plants should be selected that provide diverse bloom times and can handle the unique site conditions on a case-by-case basis. If maintenance best practices are followed there is also potential for overwintering/nesting habitat in above-ground pithy stems. More research is needed to understand the benefit of green roofs for pollinators but prioritizing native plants that are suitable to the site conditions is a good first step. Zoning Ordinance - 10.4 Green Score The Green Score is intended to promote sustainable landscapes in Somerville and includes credits that support pollinator best practices. In addition to including a multiplier for native planting, it is recommended to amplify the benefits by promoting diverse seasonal bloom times. The City can add bonus credits or amend the minimum standards for the existing native plant credit to promote pollinator-friendly plantings. It could do so by including native plants that meet the criteria for the following bloom times: • 33% of native plants that typically bloom in spring (before June 15th), with most of these being trees and shrubs. • 33% of native plants that typically bloom in the summer between June 15th and August 1st. • 33% of native plants that typically bloom after August 1st. Additionally, the City should consider adding species to their list of high value trees based on the findings of this report. A list of high value non- tree species can be developed using the SPAP Comprehensive Plant List as a starting point. Zoning Ordinance - 10.7 Outdoor Lighting The existing outdoor lighting standards are in alignment with the proposed best practices for pollinators in this Plan. These standards follow dark sky guidance to include full cutoff or fully shielded fixtures, warm color temperature (3000 kelvin or less), and use of vacancy sensors and timers. However, the standards do not apply to “lighting within rights-of-way or easements for the principal purpose of illuminating streets, alleys, mid-block passages, or civic spaces” for safety reasons (Somerville Zoning Ordinance, 452). Civic spaces should seek to reduce light use wherever possible, following the best practices outlined in the Somerville Zoning Ordinance and this document, especially in areas where habitat is identified as a priority and safety concerns are not an issue. Photo Source: Schuylkill Center, https://www.schuylkillcenter.org/news/nature-above-the-city Prioritzing native plants doesn’t have to stop at the ground floor as seen here at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education where flowering native plants were blended among ornamental plants to increase the plant diversity and wildlife value of this vegetated roof deck in Philadelphia, PA.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Public Space and Policy Recommendations 136 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Public Space and Policy Recommendations 137 It is recommended that Somerville consider adopting a Dark Sky Ordinance and/or a “lights out policy” to further benefit pollinators. These policies have been enacted in other US cities and can be tailored to Somerville’s needs to ensure balance between public safety and the ecological benefits of reduced lighting. Zoning Ordinance – 13.1 Public Realm - Civic Spaces Standard Civic Space guidelines (13.1.2) present multiple opportunities to revise typical landscape practices to create more pollinator-friendly spaces. Currently across all civic spaces, large trees are to be located within at-grade planted beds with mulch cover (except within an 8” ring at the base of woody plants). These areas offer an opportunity for ‘soft landings’ (refer to Section 6: General Recommendations/Best Practices) and patches of bare ground to promote pollinator nesting habitat. If the Native Planting Ordinance was also revised to encourage native plant strategies below trees and allow patches of bare ground where appropriate, civic spaces could provide improved habitat opportunities. Areas with passive lawn spaces are good candidates for updating the species composition to be a polyculture lawn mix. Combined with altered mowing timelines (low-/no-mow May, and every two weeks through the summer), lawn spaces could provide an additional pollinator-foraging resource throughout the city. Civic spaces are excluded from the lighting standards described in 10.6 Outdoor Lighting. While the civic space standards suggest “the indiscriminate use of bright lighting should be limited,” there is potential to provide additional information and encourage dark areas around habitat zones where appropriate for public safety. This should be done with careful consideration of the International Dark Sky Association’s guidance and best practices for safe public space design. These spaces are required to have appropriate signage at entrances. It is recommended that supplemental pollinator signage be added to clarify habitat areas, which can be added to park signage standards without needing to amend the Zoning Ordinance. This will enable maintenance staff to easily identify habitat areas, ensure best practices are used, and provide a “cue to care” for the public. 13.1.3 Parks Parks adhere to the civic space regulation standards and must follow additional guidelines centered around creating spaces for passive and active recreation. Within each park typology (Regional, Community, Neighborhood, and Pocket) there is a set minimum landscape area required to be planted with trees and shrubs as well as a minimum number of trees necessary per sq ft. Per the Native Planting Ordinance, these plantings are required to be 75% native. Future renovations and new park designs should consider following the best practices outlined in this document to improve the quality of any potential habitat created. Creating soft landings below trees, providing a range of bloom times, and creating dark zones within plant beds are all well-suited practices for these larger public landscape spaces. These recommendations could be incorporated into the Design Guidelines for all parks. 13.1.4 Commons (Commons, Squares, and Greens) Commons are spaces for gatherings and recreation. Open lawn areas in these zones that are used for passive recreation, gathering space, and even non-formal active recreation could all be candidates for low-mow polyculture lawn conversion and should be considered on a site-by-site basis for suitability. These recommendations could be incorporated into the Design Guidelines for all commons. 13.1.6 Civic Uses – Passive Space, Botanical Gardens Pollinator gardens do not currently fall within the civic use categories outlined in this section. However, they could fit into the Passive Space category in addition to the Botanical Garden use. Passive paces are permitted in all civic space types but Botanical Gardens, defined as spaces “designed specifically for the cultivation of specimen plants for scientific research, conservation, education, and public display,” require a special permit. It is recommended that pollinator gardens be defined in the Zoning Ordinance and recognized as a Civic Use category in Somerville. Zoning Ordinance – 13.2 Public Realm - Thoroughfares Tree plantings included in thoroughfares do not always have enough room for groundcover planting or to create a soft landing. However, low-growing native plantings should be considered to create additional habitat benefits and leaves should be allowed to remain in the tree bed over winter, especially for keystone species street trees. The required 18” tree guard surrounding tree wells in new thoroughfares will help protect the pollinator benefits of the planting bed. If updated to include these elements, the Ordinance would need to define when this was appropriate (i.e., to avoid blocking travel sightlines). City trees on thoroughfares could provide an enhanced resource for butterfly and moth lifecycles in the city. City Pledge Opportunities In addition to the work the City is doing with this Pollinator Action Plan, there are opportunities to join cities around the world in pledging to protect pollinators. Mayor Ballantyne has already signed a pledge organized by the National Wildlife Federation. The pledge provides a list of Action Items that overlap with the recommendations of this Plan. It is recommended that Somerville consider signing the Bee City USA pledge organized through the Xerces Society in support of native bees to further solidify support for the wide range of pollinators observed throughout the city. Photograph by: Ngoc Doan Native plantings in a large constructed gravel wetland at Longfellow Bridge in Boston, MA.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LEARNING Section 10 Photograph by: Dr. Nicholas Dorian

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Academic Recommendations Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Academic Recommendations 141 140 Recommendations for Learning In addition to following the best practices listed in Section 6, educators and those who manage educational landscapes should also consider the following opportunities: Somerville Public Libraries The public libraries are a common ground for a diverse array of Somerville residents. They have a unique opportunity to promote this Plan and educate the community on the importance of pollinators. Creating an annual display of pollinator resources for all ages would be an excellent supplement to providing printed copies of this report for residents to review (if you just checked this out of the library, this recommendation has been a success!). In addition to this Plan, the suggested reading lists below and in Section 6 could be put on display to provide additional resources for any residents interested in learning more about pollinators and gardening. There is also an opportunity to provide on-site pollinator garden education through signage, events, and workshops at library gardens. The Central Library is home to a garden run by the Somerville Garden Club which presents an incredible opportunity to trial this idea. These spaces can showcase urban pollinators and demonstrate habitat needs to a large and diverse audience of all ages. College Campuses Tufts University was the first campus in Massachusetts to sign the Bee Campus pledge through the Xerces Society, showing their dedication to protecting pollinators. The Tufts Pollinator Initiative (TPI), founded by SPAP project team member Dr. Nicholas Dorian during his time at Tufts, is an active participant in pollinator research and advocacy in Medford and Somerville. Tufts can continue to play an important role in supporting pollinators in the city through species monitoring, research, educational outreach, planting more habitat and modifying ongoing landscape management practices, and continued educational outreach and engagement through TPI. Additionally, they maintain a website full of excellent resources rooted in local knowledge, many of which were used to supplement this report. K-12 Schools Somerville schools should continue efforts to add pollinator habitat and stive for providing one as a living laboratory at each school. Ample opportunities exist to incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) learning into the design, construction, maintenance, and monitoring of these spaces for students of every age. Maintenance and long-term care rise to the top of the reasons gardens may fail in academic settings and it will be fundamental to the success of any school garden initiatives to have ongoing support from the community. Continued partnership with local organizations, like the Green Team from Groundwork Somerville, will likely be necessary to support this mission. Additionally, the school district should consider collaborating with a local expert or non-profit organization working with pollinators to develop a Somerville Pollinator curriculum. Photo Source: Tufts Pollinator Initiative Pollinator habitat on Tufts campus. Key Ideas: Install demonstration gardens at academic institutions, libraries, places of worship, etc. • Follow the best practices outlined in Section 6. • Include signage. • Plan educational opportunities and events. Provide educational resources where people are. • Share book list and this Plan with local libraries. • Integrate curriculum about pollinators at schools. Engage students of all ages in this work! • Learning abut pollinators. • Advocating for pollinators. • Designing, installing, and maintaining habitats. • Monitoring species.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Academic Recommendations 142 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Academic Recommendations 143 On school campuses and off, there is an opportunity for students to engage in this work through species monitoring. Age-appropriate training on how to use the iNaturalist app could be a great way to spark interest and get older students involved. See Section 13 for more information on proposed ongoing monitoring efforts. For Teachers and Educators The following resources are currently available to help teachers in Somerville help get the next generation of residents informed and excited about helping pollinators in their city. Five Hundred Yard Field Trip Curriculum Pollinator Partnership Curriculum Educators are also invited to use the “Meet Your Neighbors” videos created by Dr. Nicholas Dorian to introduce some local pollinators to kids of all ages. They are available for use on the SPAP SomerVoice page. For The Next Generation Somerville’s youth can participate in helping pollinators and learn to love our local ecology. By getting to know these important species, their role in ecological systems, and their habitat needs, the next generation can begin to embrace a view of the urban environment that includes their pollinator neighbors. The following resources offer a starting point for fun and engaging ways to include kids in the conversation. Activities: Maryland Department of Natural Resources Pollinator Activities Xerces Society Education Resources Books about Native Bees/Butterflies: Begin with a Bee by Liza Ketchum, Jacqueline Briggs Martin, and Phyllis Root The Bumblebee Queen by April Pulley Sayre Butterflies are Pretty Gross! by Rosemary Mosco Senorita Mariposa by Ben Gundersheimer Videos: Our Hungry Planet: Why Protect Pollinators, PBS Kids Wild Kratts: Pollinators, PBS Kids If the kids you know are ready for more, refer to the suggested reading, listening, and watching list in Section 6 for more options! Photo Source: Tufts Pollinator Initiative The Tufts Pollinator Initiative has been doing research in Medford and Somerville and provides resources on their website.

POLLINATOR PANTRY Section 11

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 147 146 This section provides a toolbox of planting intervention resources that anyone can use to make changes in the landscape to support pollinators. It includes: Plant Lists Top Plants for Foraging Habitat These are the top Somerville-specific trees, shrubs, and perennials that can be used to bring pollinators to your landscape. Data collected in Somerville found these native plants to have the most documented pollinator interactions. Swap out your existing plants with plants on these lists that will better support pollinators. Using native plants can help reduce maintenance costs and time for gardeners as well since they are well-adapted to urban conditions. A win-win for gardeners and pollinators. Larval Host Plants These lists include the recommended native host plants for butterflies and moths observed in this region. Including these plants in your habitat is highly recommended to provide the foundation for supporting Lepidoptera (butterflies and months). Refer to the SPAP Comprehensive Plant List for regional keystone species (scroll to the “Keystone Genera” column and select “X” to see only keystone species). Plant Lists by Pollinator - Mascot & At-Risk Species The Plan has identified six mascot pollinator insect species in a “Meet Your (Insect) Neighbors” campaign. The Pollinator Pantry provides specific plant lists to best support each of these pollinating insects. The insect species chosen are vibrantly colored, docile, and easy to identify. This means that everyone can be a citizen scientist and discover how many monarchs, bumble bees, great black digger wasps, flower flies, and long-horned beetles visit their gardens. The data that residents collect can illustrate progress towards supporting pollinators in the future. Native plants and pollinators have evolved together. This symbiotic relationship has ensured that pollinators can find and access necessary host plants, pollen, and nectar resources (if native plants are available). These plants in turn benefit from pollination. Providing the specific native plants needed by specialist pollinators is essential for maintaining these vital plant-animal interactions. This section incorporates these particular native plants, with blooms throughout multiple seasons, as well as host plants that provide food and shelter for larvae. Each of these plant lists supports the Plan’s mascot species and five to six additional ‘pollinator partner’ insects that will also benefit from these plantings. Pollinator Pantry The data from this study shows that Asclepias are an important larval host and floral resource for pollinators. Swamp milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) shown. Use the Pollinator Pantry to find plants that benefit local pollinators. In this resource you will find: Plant Lists for Regional Pollinators • Top plants for foraging • Larval host plants for moths • Larval host plants for butterflies • Plant lists for specific “mascot” pollinators • Local ecological plant communities A Comprehenisve Plant Database • A list of 380 plant species to use in your habitat design. • This list is specific to the pollinators found in this region. Recipe Cards - Pre-Planned Garden Designs • Sun/shade options • Range of sizes • Designed to benefit pollinators • Include plants that will thrive in urban conditions • Composed plant lists and layouts for a beautiful garden Key Ideas:

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 148 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 149 Plant Lists by Plant Type Additional plants by plant type are included as a quick start guide for anyone interested in adding annuals, spring ephemerals or vines to their garden. Annuals Annuals are commonly used for a pop of color in the landscape, but many of the popular and widely available plants do not provide rich resources for pollinators. Whenever possible, select from the list of native annuals ideal for seeding into the landscape. In areas where traditional annuals are regularly used, consider swapping in plants from the non- native list that offer more benefits to pollinators than other common non- native species. Alternatively, as site conditions and budget allow, consider using native perennials as they will provide pollinator benefit year after year. Spring Ephemerals Add spring ephemerals (plants that emerge briefly in the spring and then recede) to the garden to provide important early-season resources for pollinators. This list of native ephemeral species can also be supplemented by early-blooming trees and shrubs to provide additional benefit for hungry pollinators emerging in the spring. Layer with late- blooming species for year-round flowers. Vines Native vines provide valuable resources for pollinators and should be selected over non-native vines. The species on this list can create screening along a fence, form a whimsical arbor, or serve as groundcover. Before selecting a vine, double-check site constraints to ensure you have chosen the right plant for your space, as many vines can become large and sprawling over time. Local Ecological Plant Communities Using locally observed natural plant communities as a guide, these lists provide a starting point for anyone interested in building habitat based on known existing plant communities. These plants have co-evolved and are often found growing together in natural areas in and around Somerville. The lists are not rooted in pollinator observations found in the SPAP data section. Instead, they provide a foundation of native plants to support a broad range of ecosystem services that knit together. This grouping can be replicated across Somerville to create a citywide networked ecosystem. Fells in the City Interested in using a nearby native plant community as your guide? These lists are common plant communities found in the Middlesex Fells and can be a great jumping off point for developing your own ecological garden. Make sure to follow the best practices outlined in the report and reference the Comprehensive Plant List for site suitability when selecting for your specific garden location. Somerville Rewind What natural plant community might have been here if Somerville hadn’t been developed? Local remnants of undisturbed natural plant communities can act as a guide for how to “rewild” Somerville and provide habitat for wildlife, including pollinators. Use this list of plants (with the majority under three feet tall) as a base matrix of local plants to provide broad ecosystem support in the city. This baseline species mix can be used to create unmown native grass areas that are easily adaptable in Somerville and repeat throughout the city. Additional flowering plants can be added to this list to enhance pollen, nectar, and host plant resources. Comprehensive Plant List For experienced gardeners and landscape designers who would like to develop their own designs, a comprehensive list of all the plant species found supporting native pollinators in Somerville is provided. A searchable Excel database of the plants includes aesthetic characteristics and preferred growing conditions and specifically identifies which pollinators each plant supports. Choosing plants known to thrive-in and support the local ecosystem is crucial to creating successful pollinator gardens that maximize aesthetics, biodiversity, and support critical species. The Comprehensive Plant List, which predominantly features east coast native plants suited to local pollinators, is an excellent resource for developing a planting plan with species that have documented benefits and interactions with native pollinators. Developed with local scientists and horticulturalists, this plant list can be navigated based on growing conditions and personal preference. The variety of options ensures that all Somerville residents can contribute to the city’s ecosystem according to their design preferences and site needs. To download the Comprehensive Plant List visit the SPAP SomerVoice page. Goldenrod (Solidago) was consistently at the top of the list for most-visited flowers in the Somerville data. Refer to the Comprehensive Plant List for recommended species native to the northeast.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 150 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 151 Pollinator Planting Recipe Cards The following recipe cards include 32 pre-planned designs for native plant gardens that can be installed to support pollinators. These gardens start small with “Pollinator Pots” (for patios and porches) and move up to larger installations (including trees and shrubs) for entire backyard conversions. They are arranged by color, solar exposure (amount of sun), soil condition (dry or wet), and consider what plants will grow well together as a well-knit plant community in Somerville’s specific urban conditions. Plant choices take into account a range of challenges including rabbits, salt, poor soil quality, compaction, etc. Recommendations for converting lawns to better support pollinators are also provided, using both seed and live plants. The recipe cards were created using the following methodology: - The top plants for foraging habitat include native flowering trees, shrubs, and perennials with the greatest number of known pollinator interactions identified by the SPAP data analysis. - Plants with similar flower and foliage colors were grouped together, and then separated into cards where plants thrive in the same cultivation conditions. For example, yellow plants that prefer sunny dry conditions were grouped together, white plants that prefer shady moist conditions were grouped together. Straight species of these plants were prioritized. - A matrix of supporting larvae host plants was then added to each of the cards. - At least one cool season graminoid (grassy species) and one warm season graminoid were added to each card. - Additional layers of flowering native plants were then added to ensure that something is always blooming in the garden from early spring, through summer, and into the fall. Native straight species plants were prioritized. - Aesthetics were then considered to ensure the gardens look attractive in all seasons. Height and flower color were carefully thought out. To achieve a balanced aesthetic, some of the straight species were switched to cultivars to create a more-carefully curated aesthetic. Where cultivars were used, Mount Cuba’s research on plant trials of various native cultivars was referenced and cultivars with pollinator benefit were selected when the data was available. Cultivars are denoted with a symbol. All gardeners are welcome to select a straight species instead and the resulting aesthetic will be slightly more naturalistic in appearance or consist of taller plantings. A well-thought-out and planned garden helps to achieve a beautiful balance of colors, textures, heights, and aesthetics, which can lead to greater community acceptance. Even shadier spots can become vibrant when the right plants are selected. Detailed plans for various conditions, from a street median to a fence line to a foundation planting, are provided. Each recipe card design is divided into the following categories: - Structure plants create the tall, vertical backbone for each planting design. This category often includes tall, native warm- season grass. - Seasonal Theme plants are the mid-layer of each planting and focus on providing floral resources throughout the entire year. - Groundcover plants are lower and positioned around the edges to create a neat border. - Grass Matrix species often include a cool-season graminoid are also identified to be placed between the other plants to knit the plant community together and suppress weeds. This approach was developed with horticulturalists, designers, and scientists to ensure that plants work together in an ecological plant community that also considers the aesthetics of the garden. These ‘novel’ plant communities (West & Rainer, 2015) are constructed with native plants that thrive in similar conditions but may not necessarily be found together in wild plant communities. The plants, however, are carefully selected to create a tight knit plant community that can withstand urban conditions, support pollinators, and provide a range of aesthetic experiences from more traditionally arranged gardens (ex: “Cloud Garden”) to naturalistic thickets (ex: “Pioneer Plants”). The recipe cards include plants with a continuous bloom cycle—so that something is always flowering throughout the growing season—and larvae host plants for moths and butterflies. This approach maintains visual interest and supports local pollinators by providing them with both diverse and expanded food sources for the adults and larvae. In each design, some bare ground should be left to allow for nesting sites for native ground nesting bees. It is recommended that 5-10% of the area of each garden be left as bare ground and can be left around the edges of the planting or in the middle, depending on aesthetic preference. Provide keystone plant species, like swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) like the one seen above in Lincoln Park, to support many species of pollinators with one plant. Add a soft landing below to further support the insect species using the tree.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 152 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 153 TREES SHRUBS PERENNIALS Top Plants for Foraging Habitat Spirea alba Solidago spp. Rubus spp. Asclepias spp. Rhus spp. Symphyotrichum spp. Cornus spp. Pycnanthemum spp. Prunus spp. Eupatorium perfoliatum Salix spp. Rudbeckia spp. Ceanothus americanus Monarda spp. Viburnum spp. Echinacea spp. Clethra alnifolia Achillea spp. Cephalanthus occidentalis Eutrochium spp. meadowsweet goldenrod plum boneset raspberry milkweed willow black-eyed Susan sumac aster New Jersey tea beebalm viburnum conefl ower dogwood mountain mint sweet pepperbush yarrow buttonbush joe pye weed 1 1 2 2 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 4 4 3 3 Cornus spp. Prunus spp. Salix spp. Ilex opaca Crataegus spp. Amelanchier spp. Acer spp. Cercis canadensis Liriodendron tulipifera Quercus spp. dogwood hawthorn cherry, plum, etc serviceberry/shad willow maple eastern redbud American holly tulip tree oak 1 2 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 3 Pollinator Pantry Plant Lists1 Plant List by Plant Type Comprehensive Plant List Local Ecological Plant Communities Plant List by Pollinator - Mascots & At Risk Species Top Plants for Foraging Habitat Larval Host Plants POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE Moths To download the Comprehensive Plant list visit the SPAP SomerVoice page Fells in the City: Seeps/ Ravines + Woodlands Annual Plants Fells in the City: Pond Edges Ephemeral Plants Fells in the City: Rock Outcrops (Dry/Sunny) Vines Fells in the City: Ferns of the Fells Somerville Rewind Butterfl ies

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 154 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 155 Larval Host Plants - Moths Select native plant species from these plant genera to support local moths: Host Plant Genus Total # of Species Using Host Plant Proportion of Species Using Host Plant Abies 2 0.02 Acer 18 0.14 Achillea 1 0.01 Ageratina 1 0.01 Alnus 5 0.04 Amelanchier 2 0.02 Ampelopsis 1 0.01 Amsonia 1 0.01 Apocynum 1 0.01 Aronia 3 0.02 Azalea 1 0.01 Betula 12 0.10 Carpinus 2 0.02 Carya 10 0.08 Castanea 6 0.05 Ceanothus 1 0.01 Celtis 1 0.01 Cephalanthus 1 0.01 Cercis 3 0.02 Chaemaerion 1 0.01 Chionanthus 1 0.01 Chrysanthemum 1 0.01 Cirsium 3 0.02 Cornus 1 0.01 Corylus 2 0.02 Crataegus 9 0.07 Cucurbita 1 0.01 Diervilla 1 0.01 Erigeron 3 0.02 Host Plant Genus Total Number of Species Using Host Plant Proportion of Species Using Host Plant Eupatorium 3 0.02 Eutrochium 1 0.01 Fagus 6 0.05 Fragaria 1 0.01 Fraxinus 11 0.09 Gallium 4 0.03 grasses 4 0.03 Helenium 1 0.01 Helianthus 4 0.03 Heterotheca 1 0.01 Hydrangea 1 0.01 Hypericum 4 0.03 Ilex 2 0.02 Impatiens 1 0.01 Iris 1 0.01 Juglans 6 0.05 Larix 1 0.01 Liatris 1 0.01 Limonium 1 0.01 Lonicera 2 0.02 Malus 15 0.12 Monarda 3 0.02 Nyssa 1 0.01 Oenothera 3 0.02 Ostrya 1 0.01 Parthenocissus 8 0.06 Physalis 1 0.01 Physocarpus 1 0.01 Phytolacca 1 0.01 Host Plant Genus Total Number of Species Using Host Plant Proportion of Species Using Host Plant Picea 1 0.01 Pinus 3 0.02 Platanus 2 0.02 Polygonum 2 0.02 Polygonum 1 0.01 Populus 4 0.03 Prunus 21 0.17 Quercus 27 0.22 Rhododendron 1 0.01 Ribes 1 0.01 Rosa 5 0.04 Rubus 6 0.05 Rudbeckia 2 0.02 Rumex 6 0.05 Salix 19 0.15 Solidago 10 0.08 Sorbus 1 0.01 Spiraea 2 0.02 Stellaria 3 0.02 Symphoricarpos 1 0.01 Symphyotrichum 10 0.08 Tilia 8 0.06 Tsuga 1 0.01 Ulmus 9 0.07 Urtica 1 0.01 Vaccinium 13 0.10 Verbena 1 0.01 Viburnum 7 0.06 Viola 1 0.01 Vitis 7 0.06 Keystone Species (Keystone Species Sources: NWF, Garden for Wildlife, Grow Native Massachusetts, Homegrown National Park Container Gardening Keystone Plant, Homegrown National Park Trees and Shrubs List) (Species Sources: Host and Nectar Plants from The Alabama Butterfl y Atlas, Butterfl ies of Massachusetts from The Massachusetts Butterfl y Club, David Wagner’s Caterpillars of Eastern North America. More information can be found in the resource section of the Comprehensive Plant List.) Larval Host Plants - Butterfl ies Select native plant species from these plant genera to support local butterfl ies: Host Plant Genus Total # of Species Using Host Plant Proportion of Species Using Host Plant Agrostis 1 0.02 Alnus 1 0.02 Amaranthus 1 0.02 Amelanchier 1 0.02 Amphicarpa 1 0.02 Amphicarpaea 1 0.02 Anaphalis 1 0.02 Andropogon 1 0.02 Antennaria 1 0.02 Apios 2 0.03 Asclepias 1 0.02 Baptisia 3 0.05 Betula 2 0.03 Boehmeria 1 0.02 Carex 3 0.05 Carpinus 2 0.03 Carya 1 0.02 Ceanothus 1 0.02 Celtis 2 0.03 Cercis 1 0.02 Cirsium 1 0.02 Cornus 1 0.02 Danthonia 1 0.02 Desemodium 1 0.02 Desmodium 1 0.02 Eragrostis 1 0.02 Eurybia 2 0.03 Fagus 1 0.02 Festuca 1 0.02 Fraxinus 1 0.02 Ilex 1 0.02 Host Plant Genus Total # of Species Using Host Plant Proportion of Species Using Host Plant Juniperus 1 0.02 Leersia 2 0.03 Liatris 1 0.02 Lindera 1 0.02 Liriodendron 1 0.02 Ostyra 2 0.03 Panicum 6 0.10 Pinus 1 0.02 Poa 2 0.03 Populus 2 0.03 Prunus 3 0.05 Pseudognaphalium 1 0.02 Quercus 5 0.09 Rhus 1 0.02 Ribes 1 0.02 Ruta 1 0.02 Salix 4 0.07 Sassafras 1 0.02 Schizachyrium 6 0.10 Spiraea 1 0.02 Symphyotrichum 2 0.03 Tridens 4 0.07 Ulmus 3 0.05 Vaccinium 1 0.02 Verbena 1 0.02 Vernonia 1 0.02 Veronica 1 0.02 Viola 2 0.03 Zanthoxylum 1 0.02 Zizaniopsis 1 0.02 Zizia 1 0.02 Keystone Species (Keystone Species Sources: NWF, Garden for Wildlife, Grow Native Massachusetts, Homegrown National Park Container Gardening Keystone Plant, Homegrown National Park Trees and Shrubs List) (Species Sources: Host and Nectar Plants from The Alabama Butterfl y Atlas, Butterfl ies of Massachusetts from The Massachusetts Butterfl y Club, David Wagner’s Caterpillars of Eastern North America. More information can be found in the resource section of the Comprehensive Plant List.)

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 156 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 157 Plant List by Pollinator Mascot Pollinator Insect Partners Mascot Species Gardens - clouded sulphur* - red milkweed beetle - Eastern carpenter bee - narrow-headed marsh fl y - American lady - brown-belted bumble bee MONARCH GARDEN - common wood-nymph* - four-banded stink bug wasp - golden digger wasp - two-spotted longhorn bee - wedge-shaped beetle - gray hairstreak GREAT BLACK DIGGER WASP GARDEN - cloudy-winged mining bee* - hump-backed beewolf - ligated furrow bee - oblique streaktail - Zaulon skipper - banded longhorn beetle BICOLORED SWEAT BEE GARDEN - golden Northern bumblee* - hawthorn mining bee - Eastern tiger swallowtail - Northern paper wasp - black-shouldered drone fl y TWO-SPOTTED BUMBLE BEE GARDEN - Drury’s longhorn bee* - yellow-collared scape moth - Eastern hornet fl y - aster mining bee - fraternal potter wasp - pearl crescent TRANSVERSE-BANDED FLOWER FLY GARDEN - silver-spotted skipper* - hummingbird clearwing - silky striped sweat bee - four-toothed mason wasp - fl ower longhorn beetle BANDED LONGHORN BEETLE GARDEN *species is at-risk pollinator Six plant lists are provided on the following pages that meet the specifi c habitat requirements of the six selected ‘mascot species’ for Somerville. These plant lists also support fi ve to six additional ‘polinator partner’ species including at least one at-risk species. Citizen scientists can be traineed in identifi cation of these pollinator neighbors in the Sommerville Community. Great black digger wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus) Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) Bicolored striped-sweat bee (Agapostemon virescens) Two-spotted bumble bee (Bombus bimaculatus) Photo Source: Blythe Nilson, iNaturalist Photo Source: Molanic, iNaturalist Photo Source: Ramona Molnar, iNaturalist Photo Source: Claire O’Neill, iNaturalist Transverse-banded flower fly (Eristalis transversa) Banded longhorn beetle (Typocerus velutinus) Photo Source: Molanic, iNaturalist Photo Source: Nick Dorian

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 158 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 159 MASCOT SPECIES Photo Source: Claire O’Neill, iNaturalist POLLINATOR PARTNERS HABITAT REQUIREMENTS SOMERVILLE ACTIVITY To learn more about this Somerville Pollinator Species, catch Meet Your Neighbors by Dr. Nicholas Dorian here: clouded sulphur Colias philodice red milkweed beetle Tetraopes tetrophthalmus Eastern carpenter bee Xylocopa virginica brown-belted bumble bee Bombus griseocollis American lady Vanessa virginiensis narrow-headed marsh fl y Helophilus fasciatus Common (7/7 Wards) • Flight period: late Jun – Oct • Food: nectar, larvae feed exclusively on Asclepias leaves • Nesting: lay eggs in Asclepias species monarch butterfl y Danaus plexippus Photo Source: Ramona Molnar, iNaturalist Location Observations AT RISK SPECIES Seasonality Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F New England aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae blue vervain Verbena hastata butterfl y milkweed Asclepias tuberosa dense blazing star Liatris spicata showy goldenrod Solidago speciosa common milkweed Asclepias syriaca spotted Joe-pye weed Eutrochium maculatum smooth blue aster Symphyotrichum laeve woodland sunfl ower Helianthus divaricatus fox sedge Carex vulpinoidea wild bergamot Monarda fi stulosa swamp milkweed Asclepias inarnata ES LS MS-LS MS F LS MS LS MS MS-LS SP-LS F

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 160 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 161 MASCOT SPECIES Photo Source: Claire O’Neill, iNaturalist POLLINATOR PARTNERS HABITAT REQUIREMENTS SOMERVILLE ACTIVITY To learn more about this Somerville Pollinator Species, catch Meet Your Neighbors by Dr. Nicholas Dorian here: cloudy-winged mining bee Andrena nubecula AT RISK SPECIES hump-backed beewolf Philanthus gibbosus ligated furrow bee Halictus ligatus banded longhorn beetle Typocerus velutinus Zabulon skipper Lon zabulon oblique Streaktail Allograpta obliqua Common (6/7 Wards) • Flight period: mid-May - July & late Aug - Sept • Food: nectar and pollen from shallower fl owers • Nesting: ground and soil, within gardnes bicolored striped-sweat bee Agapostemon virescens Photo Source: Blythe Nilson, iNaturalist Photo Source: ILDIKORAB, iNaturalist Location Observations Seasonality Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F goldenrod Solidago spp. false sunfl ower Heliopsis helianthoides joe-pye weed Eutrochium fi stulosum purple lovegrass Eragrostis spectabilis New England aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae lance-leaved coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata common sneezeweed Helenium autumnale blue wood aster Symphyotrichum cordifolium dense blazing star Liatris spicata clustered mountain mint Pycnanthemum muticum little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium purple conefl ower Echinacea purpurea MS MS-F SP-MS LS F LS ES-LS F LS MS-LS LS-F LS-F Photo: Katja Schulz Photo: David J. Stang

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 162 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 163 MASCOT SPECIES POLLINATOR PARTNERS HABITAT REQUIREMENTS SOMERVILLE ACTIVITY To learn more about this Somerville Pollinator Species, catch Meet Your Neighbors by Dr. Nicholas Dorian here: golden Northern bumblebee Bombus fervidus hawthorn mining bee Andrena crataegi AT RISK SPECIES black-shouldered drone fl y Eristalis dimidiata Northern paper wasp Polistes fuscatus Eastern tiger swallowtail Papilio glaucus Common (6/7 Wards) • Flight period: Early season, March-June • Food: nectar and pollen • Nesting: pre-existing cavities, bunch grasses two-spotted bumble bee Bombus bimaculatus Location Observations Photo Source: Sean Mccann, iNaturalist Seasonality Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F white meadowsweet Spirea alba St. John’s wort Hypericum spp. wild bergamot Monarda fi stulosa wild rose Rosa virginiana purple-fl owering raspberry Rubus ordoratus foxglove beardtongue Penstemon digitalis blue false indigo Baptisia australis black cherry Prunus serotina Virginia bluebells Mertensia virginica buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis spotted joe-pye weed Eutrochium maculatum highbush blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum SP SP MS SP-ES MS MS-LS LS-F LS ES ES-F SP MS-LS Photo: Agnieska Kwiecien

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 164 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 165 MASCOT SPECIES great black digger wasp Sphex pensylvanicus Photo Source: Claire O’Neill, iNaturalist POLLINATOR PARTNERS HABITAT REQUIREMENTS XXX • Flight period: Jun – Aug • Food: nectar and katydids • Nesting: lays eggs in underground nests, bare soil • xxx SOMERVILLE ACTIVITY To learn more about this Somerville Pollinator Species, catch Meet Your Neighbors by Dr. Nicholas Dorian here: Location Observations great black digger wasp Sphex pensylvanicus Photo Source: Claire O’Neill, iNaturalist POLLINATOR PARTNERS HABITAT REQUIREMENTS Common (5/7 wards) • Flight period: Jun – Aug • Food: nectar and katydids • Nesting: lays eggs in underground nests, bare soil • Very gentle: only stings if provoked SOMERVILLE ACTIVITY Location Observations gray hairstreak Strymon melinus golden digger wasp Sphex ichneumoneus four-banded stink bug wasp Bicyrtes quadrifasciatus two-spotted longhorn bee Melissodes bimaculatus common wood-nymph cercyonis pegala wedge-shaped beetle Macrosiagon limbata AT RISK SPECIES Photo: Albert Herring Photo: David J. Stang Seasonality Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium wild bergamot Monarda fi stulosa redtwig dogwood Cornus (Swida) sericea spotted beebalm Monarda punctata oaks Quercus spp. swamp milkweed Asclepias incarnata silky dogwood Cornus (Swida) amomum mountain mint Pycanthemum spp. meadowsweet Spirea tomentosa showy goldenrod Solidago speciosa Photo: USFWS Midwest Region Photo: Joshua Mayer F LS-F ES MS-F MS-F SP-MS rattlesnake master Eryngium yuccifolium LS-F MS summersweet Clethra alnifolia Photo: Robin Ladouceur MS

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 166 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 167 MASCOT SPECIES transverse-banded fl ower fl y Eristalis transversa Photo Source: Molanic, iNaturalist POLLINATOR PARTNERS HABITAT REQUIREMENTS Common (4/7 wards) • Flight period: Jul-Oct • Food: nectar and pollen • Nesting: seeps, wet pools SOMERVILLE ACTIVITY Location Observations pearl crescent Phyciodes tharos yellow-collared scape moth Cisseps fulvicollis Drury’s longhorn bee Melissodes druriellus aster mining bee Andrena asteris Eastern hornet fl y Spilomyia longicornis fraternal potter wasp Eumenes fraternus AT RISK SPECIES To learn more about this Somerville Pollinator Species, catch Meet Your Neighbors by Dr. Nicholas Dorian here: Seasonality Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F viburnum Viburnum spp. false sunfl ower Heliopsis helianthoides choke cherry Prunus virginiana aster Symphyotrichum spp. willow Salix spp. ninebark Physocarpus spp. lance-leaved coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata sunfl ower Helianthus spp. showy goldenrod Solidago speciosa wood aster Eurybia spp joe-pye weed Eutrochium fi stulosum conefl ower Rudbeckia spp. ES MS ES F ES LS F LS LS LS SP-MS MS-LS

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 168 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 169 MASCOT SPECIES great black digger wasp Sphex pensylvanicus Photo Source: Claire O’Neill, iNaturalist POLLINATOR PARTNERS HABITAT REQUIREMENTS XXX • Flight period: Jun – Aug • Food: nectar and katydids • Nesting: lays eggs in underground nests, bare soil • xxx SOMERVILLE ACTIVITY To learn more about this Somerville Pollinator Species, catch Meet Your Neighbors by Dr. Nicholas Dorian here: Location Observations banded longhorn beetle Typocerus velutinus Photo Source: Nick Dorian POLLINATOR PARTNERS HABITAT REQUIREMENTS Uncommon (1/7 wards) • Flight period: Jun-July • Food: nectar and pollen • Nesting: lays eggs in moist, decaying logs • Very gentle. Cannot bite nor sting SOMERVILLE ACTIVITY Location Observations silky striped sweat bee Agapostemon sericeus four-toothed mason wasp Monobia quadridens fl ower longhorn beetle Strangalia famelica silver-spotted skipper Epargyreus clarus hummingbird clearwing Hemaris diffi nis AT RISK SPECIES Seasonality Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F Culver’s root Veronicastrum virginicum goldenrod Solidago spp. meadowsweet Spirea spp. black cohosh Actea racemosa mountain mint Pycnanthemum spp. grey dogwood Cornus racemosa white meadowsweet Spirea alba sunfl owers Helianthus spp. showy goldenrod Solidago speciosa wood aster Eurybia spp. goatsbeard Aruncus dioicus red osier dogwood Cornus sericea LS LS ES LS S SP-MS LS MS F LS-F MS MS

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 170 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 171 blue toadfl ax Nuttallanthus canadensis common evening primrose Oenothera biennis sweet everlasting Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta spotted touch-me-not Impatiens capensis pale jewelweed Impatiens pallida Virginia dwarfdandelion Krigia virginica Indian tobacco Lobelia infl ata daisy fl eabane Erigeron strigosus Philadelphia fl eabane Erigeron philadelphicus annual fl eabane Erigeron annuus partridge sensitive-pea Chamaecrista fasciculata NATIVE ANNUAL FORBS TOP NATIVE ANNUALS If you are looking for all-summer color and are interested in supplementing your native Pollinator Pot with annuals, consider picking from this list. Prioritize native species wherever possible! Seasonality Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F MS LS SP-LS LS LS MS LS MS MS ES LS ES Seasonality Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F NON-NATIVE ANNUAL FORBS alyssum Lobularia spp. lantana Lantana spp. spider fl ower Cleome spp. sage Salvia spp. cosmos Cosmos spp. sunfl ower Helianthus annuus creeping verbena Glandularia spp. purpletop vervain Verbena bonariensis heliotrope Heliotropium spp. zinnia Zinnia spp. TOP NON-NATIVE ANNUALS Many annuals have no local pollinator value! Prioritize native species when possible, but if you are choosing from annuals at a nursery, consider picking from this list of plants that have some pollinator value. ES-F MS-F SP-F ES-F ES-LS ES-F SP-F AN AN AN AN AN AN AN AN AN AN ES-F ES-F ES-MS

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 172 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 173 Scientific Name Common Name Size Solar Wetland Status Soil Moisture Aquilegia canadensis columbine 1.5-2' Sun/Part Sun FACU Dry, Moist Claytonia virginica spring Beauty .5' Sun/Part Sun - Moist Dicentra canadensis squirrel corn 0-1' Part Shade - Moist Dicentra cucullaria dutchman's breeches 0-1' Part Sun/Shade - Moist Erythronium americanum American trout lily 0-0.5' Part Sun/Shade - Moist Hydrophyllum virginianum eastern waterleaf 1-2' Part Sun FAC Moist Mertensia virginica bluebells 1.5-2' Sun/Part Sun FAC Moist Sanguinaria canadensis bloodroot .5' Part Sun/Shade FACU Moist, Wet Trillium grandiflorum white trillium 1'-1.5' Part Sun/Shade - Moist Uvularia grandiflora merry bells 1.5-2' Part Sun/Shade - Moist Viola rotundifolia round-leaved violet .25-.5' Shade FAC Moist Scientific Name Common Name Size (length) Solar Wetland Status Soil Moisture Adlumia fungosa Allegheny-vine 13' Part Sun/Shade - Moist Apios americana common ground-nut 15' Shade FACW Moist/Wet Aristolochia macrophylla dutchman's pipe 20-30' Part Sun - Moist Clematis virginiana virgin's bower 6-10' Sun/Part Sun FAC Dry/Moist Lonicera sempivirens honeysuckle vine 8-15' Sun/Part Sun FACU Moist Mikania scandens climbing hempvine 8-10' Sun/Part Sun OBL Wet Parthenocissus quinquefolia virginia creeper 30-50' Sun/Part Sun FACU Moist Vitis labrusca fox grape 20' Sun/Shade FACU Dry/Moist Spring Ephemerals Vines

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 174 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 175 Graminoids Forbs Shrubs Trees Fells in the City - Seeps/Ravines + Woodlands Quercus alba ** white oak Quercus velutina ** black oak Eurybia divarticata ** white wood aster Hamamelis virginiana ** witch hazel Ilex glabra evergreen winterberry Ilex verticillata ** winterberry holly Lindera benzoin ** Northern spicebush Pinus strobus ** eastern white pine Eupatorium perfoliatum ** common boneset Eutrochium spp. ** Joe-pye weed Geranium maculatum ** wild geranium Packera aurea ** golden ragwort Monarda fi stulosa ** wild bergamot Zizia aurea ** golden Alexander Pycnanthemum muticum ** clustered mountainmint Solidago spp. ** goldenrod Symphotrichum novi-belgii New York aster Carya spp. ** hickory Ostrya virginiana ** hophornbeam Quercus rubra ** red oak Cornus amomum silky dogwood Carex spp. ** sedge Amelanchier spp. serviceberry Quercus bicolor swamp white oak Ilex opaca American holly Sassafras spp. sassafrass ** Indicates plants observed as being present in the EwA Guide to the Plants of the Fells. See Ferns of the Fells list for additional relevant plants. Shrubs Trees Fells in the City: Pond Edges Forbs Clethra alnifolia ** Kalmia angustifolia Acer rubrum ** red maple Amelanchier spp. serviceberry coastal pepperbush Nyssa sylvatica tupelo Salix nigra black willow Vaccinium corymbosum highbush blueberry Aronia spp. chokeberry sheep laurel Betula populifolia grey birch Cornus sericea red osier dogwood Asclepias incarnata** swamp milkweed Iris versicolor** norther blue fl ag iris Eupatorium perfoliatum ** common boneset Eutrochium spp. ** Joe-pye weed ** Indicates plants observed as being present in the EwA Guide to the Plants of the Fells. See Ferns of the Fells list for additional relevant plants

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 176 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 177 Shrubs Graminoids Trees Fells in the City - Rock Outcrops (Dry/Sunny) Forbs Pinus rigida pitch pine (Linda Vista Natives) Carex appalachia* Corydalis sempervirens Arctostaphylos spp. bearberry Quercus velutina ** black oak sedge Carex pennsylvanica ** sedge wavy hair grass purple lovegrass Deschampsia fl exuosa Eragrostis spectabilis Rubus spp. ** dewberry Spirea tomentosa steeplebush Quercus rubra ** red oak Potentilla spp. cinquefoil Solidago nemoralis ** fi eld goldenrod Gaylussacia baccata huckleberry Quercus ilicifolia scrub oak Vaccinium angustifolium ** lowbush blueberry Quercus alba ** white oak Amelanchier canadensis serviceberry rocky harlequin Fragaria vesca ** wild strawberry Erigeron pulchellus Robin’s plantain Schizachyrium scoparium little bluestem Carya spp.** hickory Rhus spp. sumac Sassafras spp. sassafrass Betula populifolia grey birch ** Indicates plants observed as being present in the EwA Guide to the Plants of the Fells. See Ferns of the Fells list for additional relevant plants. Fells in the City: Ferns of the Fells ** Indicates plants observed as being present in the EwA Guide to the Plants of the Fells Osmundastrum cinnamomeum cinnamon fern Dryopteris intermedia ** intermediate wood fern Osmunda claytoniana ** interrupted fern Onoclea sensibilis ** sensitive fern Athyrium fi lix-femina ** lady fern Dryopteris marginalis ** marginal wood fern Amauropelta noveboracensis ** New York fern Comptonia peregrina ** sweet-fern Polystichum acrostichoides ** Christmas fern

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 178 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 179 Plant list: Somerville Rewind Forbs (Part 2) Solidago bicolor silverrod Eupatorium hyssopifolium hyssopleaf thoroughwort Symphyotrichum patens spreading aster (Christopher David Benda) Pycnanthemum tenuifolium narrowleaf mountain mint Ionactis linariifolia stuff aster Eurybia spectabilis purple wood aster Krigia virginica Virginia dwarf-dandelion Eurybia divaricata white wood aster Solidago caesia Nuttallanthus canadensis fi gworts Potentilla canadensis dwarf cinquefoil Penstemon digitalis foxglove Zizia aurea golden Alexander wreath goldenrod Sibbaldia tridentata three-leaved cinquefoil Maianthemum canadense Canada mayfl ower Viola pedata birdfoot violet Viola sororia blue violet Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium blunt-leaved rabbit-tobacco Solidago puberula downy goldenrod Viola sagittata arrowleaf violet Graminoids Forbs (Part 1) Shrubs Plant list: Somerville Rewind Antennaria spp. pussytoes Achillea millefolium yarrow Baptisia tinctoria yellow wild indigo Chamaecrista fasciculata partridge pea (Janis Stone) Cirsium pumilum thistle Erigeron pulchellus hairy fl eabane Carex appalachia (Mt Cuba Center) Appalachian sedge Vaccinium spp. blueberry Agrostis spp. bentgrass Arctostaphylos uvaursi bearberry Asclepias syriaca common milkweed Carex pensylvanica Pennsylvania sedge Carex platyphylla broad leaf sedge Spiraea tomentosa steeplebush Erigeron strigosus daisy fl eabane (van berkum nursery) Deschampsia fl exuosa crinkled hair grass (Sylvan Gardens) Comptonia peregrina sweet-fern Schizachyrium scoparium little bluestem Danthonia spicata poverty oatgrass (Inland Bays Garden Center) Eragrostis spectabilis purple love grass Asclepias tuberosa butterfl y weed Juncus tenuis slender rush (Mt Cuba Center) Carex swanii swan’s sedge Panicum virgatum switchgrass

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 180 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 2 POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE Living Layers - Trees and Shrubs 12’ x 24’ Lawn Conversions & Seeded Meadows Street Median (For City Use) 6’ x 12’ Bio Swale 4’x 8’ Pollinator Pantry Recipe Cards Pre-designed and highly aesthetic gardens to support pollinators in Somerville! Smallest Gardens Largest Gardens Pollinator Patches: 3’ x 6’ | 4’ x 8’ | 5’ x 10’ | 7.5’ x 15’ Pollinator Pots 181

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 182 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 183 Size Small Sun Shade Large POLLINATOR PATCHES 3’ x 6’ 4’ x 8’ 5’x10’ 15’x17.5’ PIONEER PLANTS LAYERED CANOPY CLOUD GARDEN WATER & WONDER TOP 10 WOODY EDIBLE THICKET FENCE LINE BIO SWALE 4’x 8’ WOODY GLEN LIVING LAYERS 12’ x 24’ YELLOW SUNRISE TANGERINE DREAM PURPLE CHARM SHADY SYMPHONY POLLINATOR POTS WHITE SHIMMER SHADE RIVER POLLINATOR GARDEN COOL RIVER TOP 1O PERENNIALS SHORT & GRASSY MILKWEED MANIA SILVER VEIL MAGENTA MAGNET SUNNY DAY MELLOW YELLOW PURPLE SKY VIOLET AND GOLD STREET MEDIAN 6’ x 12’ SHADY BIO SUNNY BIO RECIPE CARDS How to use the recipe cards: Planting diagrams are organized by size of your installation! Choose the diagram best suited for your site! Each symbol = 1 Plant Choose 1 plant for each symbol from the same Recipe Card. Make sure it’s blooming in all seasons! You can substitute ‘Seasonal Theme’ for ‘Groundcover’ anytime. Have fun! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Then choose a recipe card provided to use for species selection with that diagram. Recipe cards are organized by: Color, Soil Type, Moisture, & Other Site Conditions. RECIPE CARDS POLLINATOR GARDEN

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 185 24” Diameter Container Structure Plant Seasonal Theme Seasonal Theme Seasonal Theme Groundcover Plant See potential plant list options on the next page. Feel free to pick one theme as a guide, or mix and match (making sure to keep one plant that blooms in each season!) to create your ideal garden. To get involved, informed, or inspired, visit: voice.somervillema.gov/somerville-pollinator-action-plan M a y o r K a t j a n a B a l l a n t y n e 6” 6” 0’ 1’ SCALE : 1 1/2” = 1’-0” 6” GRID = 6” x 6” YELLOW SUNRISE TANGERINE DREAM PURPLE CHARM SHADY SYMPHONY PICK YOUR OWN POLLINATOR POTS! POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE STRUCTURE PLANT GROUNDCOVER SEASONAL THEME SHADY SYMPHONY PURPLE CHARM YELLOW SUNRISE Pick one theme or mix and match (within a bloom season) from the list below! TANGERINE DREAM Photo: Daniele La Rosa Messina Photo: Mary Keim Photo: John Winder Photo: Matt Lavin Photo: Calin Darabus Photo: David J. Strang Photo: Patrick Standish Photo: Salicyna columbine Aquilegia canadensis white wood aster Eurybia divaricata American alumroot Heuchera americana ostrich fern Matteuccia struthiopteris black cohosh Actaea racemosa common blue violet Viola sororia giant hyssop Agastache ‘Black Adder’ purple conefl ower Echinacea purpurea spotted beebalm Monarda punctata pink muhly grass Muhlenbergia capillaris butterfl y milkweed Asclepias tuberosa white heath aster Symphyotricum ericoides yarrow Achillea millefolium ‘Terracotta’ sneezeweed Helenium ‘Flammendes Kathchen’ switchgrass Panicum virgatum ‘Cheyenne Sky’ Photo: Cob Land Photo: Leonora Enking Photo: Scott Zona Photo: Emily Bell Photo: Aschellenberg Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek lance-leaved coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata blue fescue Fetusca glauca yarrow Achillea x ‘Moonshine’ black-eyed susan Rudbeckia fulgida yellow wild indigo Baptisia tinctoria Seasonality Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! ES LS ES MS SP MS LS ES MS LS-F ES ES SP-MS LS SP-ES LS-F SP MS MS-F MS-F 184

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 186 POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE 3’x6’ POLLINATOR PATCH This bed is meant to be viewed from this side! High Height Low Height Shorter plants To get involved, informed, or inspired, visit: voice.somervillema.gov/somerville-pollinator-action-plan Pick a Plant Palette! Each garden is designed for a specifi c amount of sunlight, soil mositure, and height so be sure to pick the one that will work best for your site. Feel free to mix and match but aim to include plants that will bloom in every season! M a y o r K a t j a n a B a l l a n t y n e 0’ 1’ 2’ SCALE: 1” = 1’-0” 6” 1’-0” 1’-0” Plant sizes: Deep landscape plugs. If using larger 1 gallon size plants, increase spacing to 18” Pick 6 Plants! Seasonal Theme Groundcover (or sub seasonal theme!) Structure Plants (3) (6) (3) (4) (6) (4) MELLOW YELLOW PURPLE SKY SUNNY DAY SILVER VEIL SHORT & GRASSY COOL RIVER MAGENTA MAGNET MILKWEED MANIA WHITE SHIMMER SHADE RIVER TOP 1O PERENNIALS 187

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 188 POLLINATOR PATCH 4’x8’ POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE 8’ 4’ Structure Plant Seasonal Theme Groundcover Plants at 12” OC Optional Shrub To get involved, informed, or inspired, visit: voice.somervillema.gov/somerville-pollinator-action-plan M a y o r K a t j a n a B a l l a n t y n e 0’ 1’ 2’ SCALE: 3/4” = 1’-0” 6” This bed is meant to be viewed from this side! High Height Low Height 1’-0” 1’-0” Pick 8 Plants! Plant sizes: Deep landscape plugs. If using larger 1 gallon size plants, increase spacing to 18” Pick a Plant Palette! Each garden is designed for a specifi c amount of sunlight, soil mositure, and height so be sure to pick the recipe card that will work best for your site. Feel free to mix and match but aim to include plants that will bloom in every season! MAGENTA MAGNET MILKWEED MANIA WHITE SHIMMER SHADE RIVER TOP 1O PERENNIALS MELLOW YELLOW PURPLE SKY SUNNY DAY SILVER VEIL SHORT & GRASSY COOL RIVER (4) (5) (5) (5) (5) (6) (6) (7) 189

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 190 POLLINATOR PATCH 5’x10’ Pick 10 Plants! This bed is meant to be viewed from this side! Taller plants Shorter plants To get involved, informed, or inspired, visit: voice.somervillema.gov/somerville-pollinator-action-plan Pick a Plant Palette! Each garden is designed for a specifi c amount of sunlight, soil mositure, and height so be sure to pick the one that will work best for your site. Feel free to mix and match but aim to include plants that will bloom in every season! M a y o r K a t j a n a B a l l a n t y n e 0’ 2’ 4’ 1/2” = 1’-0” 1’ POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE Plant sizes: Deep landscape plugs. If using larger 1 gallon size plants, increase spacing to 18” Seasonal Theme Groundcover (or sub seasonal theme!) Structure Plants (10) (5) (5) MELLOW YELLOW PURPLE SKY SUNNY DAY SILVER VEIL SHORT & GRASSY COOL RIVER MAGENTA MAGNET MILKWEED MANIA WHITE SHIMMER SHADE RIVER TOP 1O PERENNIALS (5) (5) (6) (5) (7) (7) 191

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 192 POLLINATOR PATCH 15’x17.5’ Pick 12 Plants! This bed is meant to be viewed from this side! Taller plants Shorter plants To get involved, informed, or inspired, visit: voice.somervillema.gov/somerville-pollinator-action-plan Pick a Plant Palette! Each garden is designed for a specifi c amount of sunlight, soil mositure, and height so be sure to pick the recipe card that will work best for your site. Feel free to mix and match but aim to include plants that will bloom in every season! M a y o r K a t j a n a B a l l a n t y n e 0’ 3’ 6’ 1” = 3’-0” 1.5’ POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE Plant sizes: Deep landscape plugs. If using larger 1 gallon size plants, increase spacing to 18” Seasonal Theme Groundcover Grass Matrix (Plugs) Structure Plants (10) (14) (5) MELLOW YELLOW PURPLE SKY SUNNY DAY SILVER VEIL SHORT & GRASSY COOL RIVER MAGENTA MAGNET MILKWEED MANIA WHITE SHIMMER SHADE RIVER TOP 1O PERENNIALS (5) (5) (3) (3) (5) (5) (7) (7) (8) 193

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 194 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 195 Seasonality Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F Photo: Joshua Mayer Photo: H. Zell Photo: Tom Pottersfi eld Photo: Drew Avery Photo: Agnieszka Kwiecien Photo: Dave Lage Photo: Dan Mullen Photo: Katja Schulz Photo: Harry Rose GROUNDCOVER STRUCTURE PLANT SEASONAL THEME northern blazing star Liatris novae-angliae purple lovegrass Eragrostis spectabilis spotted bee balm Monarda punctata swamp milkweed Asclepias incarnata wild bergamot Monarda fi stulosa copper-shouldered oval sedge Carex bicknelli yarrow Achillea ‘Milly Rock Rose’ clustered mountain mint Pycnanthemum muticum purple conefl ower Echinacea purpurea foxglove beardtongue Penstemon digitalis New England Aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae ‘Purple Dome’ blue false indigo Baptisia australis switchgrass Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ anise hyssop Agastache foeniculum sweet Joe-pye weed Eutrochium purpureum PURPLE SKY SUNNY | DRY | UNDER 4’ TALL MS F ES-LS SP-ES SP LS LS MS LS-F ES ES LS-F MS-F MS-LS ES-MS Seasonality Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F STRUCTURE PLANT SEASONAL THEME Robin’s plantain Erigeron pulchellus copper-shouldered oval sedge Carex bicknelli yellow wild Indigo Baptisia tinctoria little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium lance-leaved coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata cutleaf conefl ower Rudbeckia laciniata St. John’s wort Hypericum punctatum black-eyed susan Rudbeckia fulgida sneezeweed Helenium autumnale black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia fulgida narrowleaf evening primrose Oenothera fruticosa clustered mountain mint Pycnanthemum muticum switchgrass Panicum virgatum ‘North Wind’ butterfl y milkweed Asclepias tuberosa yarrow Achillea millefolium ‘Terracotta’ autumn goldenrod Solidago sphacelata GROUNDCOVER Photo: Cob Land Photo: David Stang Photo: Frank Mayfi eld Photo: Ellie Enking Photo: Jack Pearce Photo: NC State Garden Extension Photo: Harry Rose Photo: Anita Gould Photo: David J. Stang Photo: Emily Bell Photo: Katja Schulz SUNNY DAY SUNNY | DRY | UNDER 4’ TALL barren strawberry Waldsteinia fragarioides Photo: Joshua Mayer ES ES-LS MS-F LS-F ES-LS SP-ES ES-LS MS LS-F SP-MS MS-LS SP LS MS SP ES

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 196 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 197 Photo: Acabashi Seasonality Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F GROUNDCOVER STRUCTURE PLANT OPTIONALSHRUB SEASONAL THEME switchgrass Panicum ‘Niagra Falls’ false indigo Baptisia ‘Ivory Towers’ clustered mountain mint Pycnanthemum muticum sweet pepperbush Clethra alnifolia little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium slender mountain mint Pycnanthemum tenuifolium copper-shouldered oval sedge Carex bicknelli conefl ower Echinacea ‘White Swan’ boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum white heath aster Symphyotrichum ericoides ‘Snow Flurry’ yarrow Achillea millefolium white meadowsweet Spirea alba foxglove beardtongue Penstemon digitalis white goldenrod Solidago bicolor SILVER VEIL Photo: David J. Stang Photo: F D Richards Photo:Reinald Kirchener Photo: John Newton Photo: Harry Rose SUNNY | DRY | UNDER 4’ TALL Robin’s plantain Erigeron pulchellus SP ES-LS MS LS SP F ES ES-LS MS-LS LS-F LS-F SP-MS LS ES-F S-ES Seasonality Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F GROUNDCOVER SEASONAL THEME blue grama Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’ copper-shouldered oval sedge Carex bicknelli aromatic aster ‘October Skies’ Symphyotrichum oblongifolium praire dropseed Sporobolus heterolepis blue grama Bouteloua gracilis side oats grama Bouteloua curtipendula yarrow Achillea millefolium slender mountain mint Pycnanthemum tenuifolium blazing star Liatris spicata whorled milkweed Asclepias verticillata pearly everlasting Anaphalis margaritacea pussytoes Antennaria spp. SHORT AND GRASSY (SUB MORE SEASONAL THEMES FOR STRUCTURAL PLANTS!) Photo: Reinald Kirchener Photo: Audrey Zharkikh Photo: Andrey Zharkikh Photo: Harry Rose Photo: Mark Nenadov Photo: Mount Rainier National Park SUNNY | DRY | UNDER 4’ TALL ES-LS MS-LS SP-MS ES-LS ES-LS ES-LS LS F LS F LS LS-F

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 198 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 199 Seasonality Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F GROUNDCOVER STRUCTURE PLANT SEASONAL THEME path rush Juncus tenuis great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica ironweed Vernonia lettermannii ‘Iron Butterfl y’ New England aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae swamp milkweed Asclepias incarnata switchgrass Panicum virgatum ‘Prairie Sky’ blue vervain Verbena hastata Joe pye weed Eupatorium ‘Baby Joe’ culver’s root Veronicastrum virginicum sweet fl ag Acorus americana shallow sedge Carex lurida blue mistfl ower Conoclinium coelestinum Photo: Staudengartnerei Forssman Photo: Bill Stanley Photo: Kim Starr Photo: Matt Lavin Photo: Joshua Mayer Photo: Aaron Volkening Photo: Alvin Kho Photo: Chris Rycroft Photo: Sonja Photo: Ron Frazier COOL RIVER SUNNY | WET | UNDER 4.5’ TALL LS LS-P SP ES SP-MS ES MS-F MS LS MS F ES Seasonality Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F GROUNDCOVER STRUCTURE PLANT OPTIONAL SHRUB golden ragwort Packera aurea SEASONAL THEME woodland sunfl ower Helianthus divaricatus dwarf prairie willow Salix occidentalis cutleaf conefl ower Rudbeckia laciniata anemone Anemone canadensis marsh marigold Caltha palustris golden alexander Zizia aurea bog goldenrod Solidago uliginosa shrubby St. John’s wort Hypericum prolifi cum white turtlehead Chelone glabra garden phlox Phlox paniculata Photo: USDA NRCS Montana Photo: Aaron Volkening Photo: Peter Gorman Photo: Koby Kilgore, iNaturalist Photo: Andy Rogers Photo: Joshua Mayer Photo: Doug McGrady MELLOW YELLOW SUNNY | WET | UNDER 4.5’ TALL LS-F F F SP SP-ES F SP SP F ES SP

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 200 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 201 Seasonality Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F false indigo Baptisia ‘Decadence Pink Truffl es’ yarrow Achillea ‘Pink Grapefruit’ wild bergamot Monarda fi stulosa spotted bee balm Monarda punctata swamp milkweed Asclepias incarnata Joe pye weed Eutrochium purpureum new england aster Symphyotrichum ‘Vibrant Dome’ purple conefl ower Echinacea purpurea copper-shouldered oval sedge Carex bicknelli GROUNDCOVER STRUCTURE PLANT SEASONAL THEME SEASONAL THEME Photo: Dave Lage Photo: Garden Crossings Photo: US Perennials switchgrass Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ LS Photo: Harry Rose ES SUN | VAR.HEIGHTS MAGENTA MAGNET SP MS ES-MS MS-LS LS-F ES-MS ES-MS MS-LS clustered mountain mint Pycnanthemum muticum ES-LS Seasonality Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F GROUNDCOVER STRUCTURE PLANT SEASONAL THEME goat’s beard Aruncus dioicus black cohosh Actaea racemosa wild blue phlox Phlox divarticata white snakeroot Ageratina altissima white wood aster Eurybia divaricata creeping phlox Phlox stolonifera American alumroot Heuchera villosa ‘Autumn Bride’ wild geranium Geranium maculatum wild ginger Asarum canadense blue wood aster Symphyotrichum cordifolium WHITE SHIMMER Photo: Cranbrook Science Photo: Fritz Flohr Reynolds Photo: Andrey Zharkikh Photo: Joe Passe Photo:Thomas Quine Photo: Judy Gallagher Photo: Joshua Mayer Photo: Lydia Fravel SHADE | MOIST | UNDER 4’ TALL OPTIONALSHRUB mapleleaf viburnum Viburnum acerifolium calico aster Symphyotrichum laterifl orum Photo: Cathie Bird ES MS ES LS-F LS SP-ES LS-F SP SP LS ES F

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 202 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 203 Seasonality Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F GROUNDCOVER STRUCTURE PLANT STRUCTURE PLANT SEASONAL THEME wild ginger Asarum canadense wild blue phlox Phlox divaricata calico aster Symphyotrichum laterifl orum bluebells Mertensia virginica white turtlehead Chelone glabra plantainleaf sedge Carex plantaginea smooth aster Symphyotrichum laeve ‘Bluebird’ SHADE RIVER creeping phlox Phlox stolonifera solomon’s seal Polygonatum bifl orum solomon’s plume Maianthemum racemosum SHADE | WET | UNDER 4’ TALL copper-shouldered oval sedge Carex bicknelli sweet pepperbush Clethra alnifolia SP F LS ES F SP-ES SP-ES SP-ES SP Photo: Joshua Mayer Photo: Cranbrook Science Photo: Lydia Fravel Photo: Joshua Mayer Photo: Cathie Bird Photo: Peter Gorman MS Photo: Harry Rose ES Seasonality Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F swamp milkweed Asclepias incarnata BOLD LEAF PLANTS FOR GARDEN ORGANIZATION SEASONAL THEME PLANT foxglove beardtongue Penstemon digitalis common milkweed Asclepias syriaca black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta garden phlox Phlox panniculata aster Symphyotrichum spp. butterfl y milkweed Asclepias tuberosa gray goldenrod Solidago nemoralis MILKWEED MANIA! | A combination of and bold leaf plants to create a naturalistic look Photo: Tom Pottersfi eld Photo: Lydia Fravel Photo: Rosewoman Photo: USFWS Mountain Prarie Photo: USFWS Midwest Region Photo: F D Richards Photo: Frank Mayfi eld Photo: Tanka Juuyoh SP-ES MS ES-LS ES LS-F MS MS-F F

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 204 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 205 Seasonality Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F goldenrod Solidago spp. black-eyed Susan Rudbekia spp. boneset Eupatorium spp. beebalm Monarda spp. Joe-pye weed Eutrochium spp. yarrow Achillea spp. Photo:Reinald Kirchener Photo: Garden Crossings Photo: Frank Mayfi eld MS-LS MS-LS conefl ower Echinacea spp. Photo: Alvin Kho aster Symphyotrichum spp. F mountain mint Pycnantheum spp. ES-LS ES-MS MS SP-MS LS goldenrod Solidago spp. F milkweed Asclepias spp. MS Photo: USFWS Mountain Prarie TOP TEN PERENNIALS 1 4 7 8 9 10 2 5 3 6

Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 207 4’ x 8’ Site, Plant Plugs 8’-0” To get involved, informed, or inspired, visit: voice.somervillema.gov/somerville-pollinator-action-plan Hint: Sub seasonal theme for groundcover interchangeably! M a y o r K a t j a n a B a l l a n t y n e 0’ 1’ 2’ 3/4” = 1’-0” 6” High Edge High Edge Lowest Point Structure Plant Seasonal Theme (6) (12) (7) (5) (8) (13) (7) (9) (9) Groundcover Plant POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE POLLINATOR PATCH Plant sizes: Deep landscape plugs. If using larger 1 gallon size plants, increase spacing to 18” BIOSWALE SUNNY BIO SHADY BIO ironweed Vernonia lettermannii ‘Iron Butterfl y’ Virginia mountain mint Pycnanthemum virginianum STRUCTURE PLANT SEASONAL THEME purple lovegrass Eragrostis spectabilis copper-shouldered oval sedge Carex bicknelli path rush Juncus tenuis little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium little blue-eyed grass Sisyrinchium angustifolium switchgrass Panicum virgatum ‘Cape Breeze’ swamp milkweed Asclepias incarnata aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae ‘purple dome’ seaside goldenrod Solidago sempervirens blue fl ag iris Iris versicolor yarrow Achillea millefolium northern blazing star Liatris scariosa var. novae-angliae SUNNY BIO | BIOSWALE & RAIN GARDEN GROUNDCOVER Photo: Rusty Clark Photo: Reinald Kirchener Photo: Dan Mullen Photo: Harry Rose Photo: Drew Avery Photo: Katja Schulz Photo: Matt Lavin Photo: Drew Avery Photo: Peter D Tillman Photo: Katja Schulz Photo: Arlington National Cemetery DRY & FLOOD TOLERANT | SALT TOLERANT SUN | WET | UNDER 3.5’ TALL joe pye weed Eutrochium fi stulosum Seasonality Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F LS-F MS LS ES F LS-F MS SP-ES LS-F LS-F ES ES MS MS LS 206

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 208 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 209 SEASONAL THEME GROUNDCOVER STRUCTURE PLANT fox sedge Carex vulpinoidea golden ragwort Packera aurea white wood aster Eurybia divaricata SHADY BIO | BIOSWALE & RAIN GARDEN golden Alexander Zizia aurea northern sea oats Chasmanthium latifolium blue wood aster Symphyotrichum cordifolium smooth aster Symphyotrichum laeve ‘Bluebird’ Photo: Matt Lavin Photo: Fritz Flohr Reynolds Photo: Joshua Mayer Photo: Aaron Volkening Photo: Thomas Quine Photo: Joshua Mayer DRY & FLOOD TOLERANT | SALT TOLERANT SHADE| WET | UNDER 4’ TALL Seasonality Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F MS LS SP SP LS LS SP-ES

Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 211 traffi c traffi c Structure Plant (plant at 6” off center) Seasonal Theme 12’-0” 6’-0” Groundcover Plant To get involved, informed, or inspired, visit: voice.somervillema.gov/somerville-pollinator-action-plan M a y o r K a t j a n a B a l l a n t y n e 0’ 2’ 4’ SCALE: 1/2” = 1’-0” 1’ 1’-0” 1’-0” (7) (9) (19) (7) (4) (9) (36) (9) Pick a Plant Palette! Each garden is designed for a specifi c amount of sunlight, soil mositure, and height so be sure to pick the recipe card on the following pages that will work best for your site. Feel free to mix and match but aim to include plants that will bloom in every season! STREET MEDIAN - For City Use STREET MEDIAN, 6’x12’ POLLINATOR PATCH POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE Plant sizes: Deep landscape plugs. If using larger 1 gallon size plants, increase spacing to 18” VIOLET AND GOLD 211 210 Photo: Acabashi short bee balm Monarda didyma ‘Petite Delight’ MS-LS GROUNDCOVER STRUCTURE PLANT SEASONAL THEME switchgrass Panicum virgatum ‘Niagra Falls’ anise hyssop Agastache foeniculum blue false indigo Baptisia australis black-eyed susan Rudbeckia fulgida clustered mountain mint Pycnanthemum muticum crinkled hairgrass Deschampsia fl exuosa white heath aster Symphyotrichum ericoides ‘Snow Flurry’ salvia Salvia farinacea ‘Victoria Blue’ blue star Amsonia hubrichtii/tabernaemontana STREET MEDIAN |VIOLET AND GOLD Photo:Agnieska Kwiecien Photo:Reinald Kirchener Photo: John Newton SUN | DRY | SALT TOLERANT | UNDER 3’ HEIGHT Photo: Emily Bell lance-leaved coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata SP-MS Seasonality Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F LS ES-F SP LS SP-MS ES-F F ES-F S-ES

Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 213 LIVING LAYERS, 12’x24’ POLLINATOR PATCH To get involved, informed, or inspired, visit: voice.somervillema.gov/somerville-pollinator-action-plan M a y o r K a t j a n a B a l l a n t y n e 0’ 4’ 8’ SCALE: 1/4” = 1’-0” 2’ N 2’-0” 2’-0” Pick a Plant Palette! Each garden is designed for a specifi c amount of sunlight, soil mositure, and height so be sure to pick the recipe card that will work best for your site. 12’ 24’ Hint: If you choose an evergreen for your tree, no plants underneath the canopy! Groundcover Plant PIONEER PLANTS LAYERED CANOPY CLOUD GARDEN WATER & WONDER WOODY GLEN POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE Shrubs Plant sizes: Deep landscape plugs. If using larger 1 gallon size plants, increase spacing to 18” Tree (5) (7) (7) (1) 212 GROUNDCOVER SHRUBS GROUNDCOVER TREE sweet pepperbush Clethra alnifolia hydrangea ‘Mary Nell’ Hydrangea aborescens wild geranium Geranium maculatum fl owering raspberry Rubus odoratus redbud Cercis canadensis wild blue phlox Phlox divaricata creeping phlox Phlox stolonifera LAYERED CANOPY SUN/PART SUN | MOIST | VAR.HEIGHTS inkberry Ilex glabra anemone Anemone canadensis Photo: Doug McGrady Photo: Jeff Hart Photo: Puddin Tain Photo: Jim Duggan Photo:Michele Dorsey Walfred Photo: Lydia Fravel Photo: Joshua Mayer chokeberry Aronia spp. Seasonality Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F MS MS SP SP ES MS SP ES SP Photo: Joe and Jeanette Archie SP-ES

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 214 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 215 SHRUBS (FLOWERING) GROUNDCOVER SHRUBS (EVERGREEN) TREE inkberry Ilex glabra ‘Gembox’ sweet pepperbush Clethra alnifolia ‘Hummingbird’ anemone Anemone canadensis inkberry Ilex glabra smooth hydrangea Hydrangea aborescens ‘Haas Halo’ inkberry Ilex glabra ‘Strongbox’ wild geranium Geranium maculatum hawthorn Crataegus spp. Photo: William Coville Photo: Jim Duggan Photo: F. D.Richards Photo: Doug McGrady Photo: Michele Dorsey Walfred Photo: Sharon K. CLOUD GARDEN SUN/PART SUN | VAR.HEIGHTS Seasonality Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F MS SP LS-F SP SP-ES SP SP SP GROUNDCOVER TREE SHRUB fragrant sumac Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi wild strawberry Fragaria virginiana black cherry Prunus serotina New Jersey tea Ceanothus americanus beach plum Prunus maritima barren strawberry Waldsteinia fragarioides gray birch Betula populifolia white wood aster Eurybia divaricata staghorn sumac Rhus typhina PIONEER PLANTS Photo: BG Grishko Photo: Andreas Rockstein Photo: Robert Taylor Photo: Joshua Mayer Photo: Ninara Photo: Plant Image Library Photo: Fritz Flohr Reynolds Photo: Joshua Mayer Photo: Joshua Mayer INFERTILE SOILS | SUN | DRY | VAR. HEIGHTS Seasonality Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! SP SP SP SP SP SP LS ES MS ES SP

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 216 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 217 SHRUB TREE SEASONAL THEME GROUNDCOVER swamp azalea Rhododendron viscosum swamp rose Rosa palustris swamp mallow Hibiscus moscheutos spotted phlox Phlox maculata anenome Anemone canadense creeping phlox Phlox stolonifera WATER & WONDER pussy willow Salix discolor serviceberry Amelanchier spp. chokeberry Aronia spp. SUN/PART SUN| WET | VAR. HEIGHTS Photo: Alison Day Photo: James Austin Photo: Lydia Fravel Photo: Plant Image Library Photo: Joe and Jeanette Archie Photo: Malcom Manners Photo: USFWS Midwest Region Photo: Doug McGrady Photo: Melissa McMasters Seasonality Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F LS F SP SP MS SP-ES MS SP ES GROUNDCOVER TREE SHRUB sweet pepperbush Clethra alnifolia ‘Sixteen Candles’ witch hazel Hamamelis virginiana pagoda dogwood Cornus alternifolia blue wood aster Symphyotrichum cordifolium dogwood shrub Cornus spp. purple fl owering raspberry Rubus odoratus spicebush Lindera benzoin white wood aster Eurybia divaricarta phlox Phlox divaricata creeping phlox Phlox stolonifera wild ginger Asarum canadense golden alexander Zizia aurea Photo: Ian Martin Photo: Wendy Cutler Photo: Delaware Master Gardeners Photo: Katja Schulz Photo: Cranbrook Science Photo: Joshua Mayer Photo: Lydia Fravel Photo: Aaron Volkening Photo: Fritz Flohr Reynolds WOODY GLEN SHADE| WET| VAR. HEIGHTS Photo:Thomas Quine Seasonality Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F MS F SP LS MS MS LS-F LS SP SP SP ES

Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 219 12’ 24’ EDIBLE THICKET FENCE LINE Plant sizes: Deep landscape plugs. If using larger 1 gallon size plants, increase spacing to 18” POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE Groundcover Plant To get involved, informed, or inspired, visit: voice.somervillema.gov/somerville-pollinator-action-plan Pick a Plant Palette! Each garden is designed for a specifi c amount of sunlight, soil mositure, and height so be sure to pick the recipe card on the following pages that will work best for your site. Plug & play with the plants on the recipe cards with the symbols included here! M a y o r K a t j a n a B a l l a n t y n e 0’ 4’ 8’ SCALE: 1/4” = 1’-0” 2’ Shrubs Seasonal Theme Large Small Tree Vine V V V V V 2’-0” 2’-0” LIVING LAYERS, 12’x24’ POLLINATOR PATCH 218 serviceberry Amelanchier spp. native wild grape Vitis vinifera sylvestris EDIBLE THICKET TREE GROUNDCOVER SHRUB - LARGE SHRUB - SMALL VINE elderberry Sambucus canadensis huckleberry Gaylusaccia baccata high bush blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum blackberry Rubus spp. low bush blueberry Vaccinium angustifolium wild strawberry Fragaria virginiana Photo: Dinesh Valke Photo: James Austin Photo: CAJC in the PNW Photo: Laurel F Photo: Joshua Mayer Photo: Judy Gallagher Photo: Teresa Grau Ros Photo:Ellie Enking SUN| LOW PH | FENCE | NOT RABBIT TOLERANT SP ES LS-F LS-F ES ES-F ES-F SP-ES V Seasonality Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 220 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 221 Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F Seasonality TREE SHRUB - LARGE SEASONAL THEME GROUNDCOVER VINE gray birch Betula populifolia aster ‘purple dome’ Symphyotrichum novae-angliae ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius serviceberry Amelanchier spp. black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta nannyberry Viburnum lentago barren strawberry Waldsteinia fragarioides virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia wild strawberry Fragaria virginiana FENCE LINE Photo: Isabelle Blanchemain Photo: Joshua Mayer Photo: Frank Mayfi eld Photo: James Austin Photo: Drew Avery Photo: BG Grishko SUN/PART SHADE| DISTURBED SOILS | FENCE | RABBIT TOLERANT SP F MS SP ES-LS SP SP ES ES V

Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 223 POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE 12’x24’ POLLINATOR PATCH Plant sizes: Deep landscape plugs. If using larger 1 gallon size plants, increase spacing to 18” Ten Top Plants (Woody!) - Garden To get involved, informed, or inspired, visit: voice.somervillema.gov/somerville-pollinator-action-plan M a y o r K a t j a n a B a l l a n t y n e 0’ 4’ 8’ 1/4” = 1’-0” 2’ 24’ 12’ TOP 10 WOODY Shrubs Ceanothus Cephalanthus Clethra Cornus Rose Spiraea alba Spiraea tomentosa Cornus alternifolia Tree Groundcover Plant Asclepias incarnata Geranium Viola sororia maculatum Seasonal Theme 222 common blue violet Viola sororia SHRUBS SEASONAL THEME GROUNDCOVER TREE sweet pepperbush Clethra alnifolia steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa meadowsweet Spiraea alba red-osier dogwood Cornus sericea wild geranium Geranium maculatum swamp milkweed Asclepias incarnata pagoda dogwood Cornus alternifolia buttonbush Cephalanthus occ. Photo: Sharon K. virginia rose Rosa virginiana New Jersey tea Ceanothus americanus SP Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F Seasonality TEN TOP PLANTS (WOODY!) SUN | VAR.HEIGHTS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS SP SP MS

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 224 Sun Shade SUNRISE (OVER MY LAWN!) MOW-ABLE GRASSES OCCASIONALLY MOW-ABLE FORBS PRE-MIXED NATIVE MEADOW SEED MIXES BLUE ESCAPE (FROM MY LAWN!) YELLOW GLIMMER CONVERT NON-LAWN INTO A GARDEN! PLUGGED LAWN 3’ x 6’ THESE ARE MOWABLE GRASSES THAT ARE MORE BENEFICIAL TO POLLINATORS THAN BLUEGRASS! SEEDED LAWN ALTERNAIVES (GRASSY) THESE ARE MOWABLE GRASSES AND FLOWERS IF YOU ARE OKAY WITH A FREEDOM LAWN LOOK! SEEDED LAWN ALTERNAIVES (FORBS) THESE SEED MIXES CAN BE USED INSTEAD OF TRADITIONAL LAWN SEED TO PROVIDE GREATER POLLINATOR BENEFIT! SEEDED MEADOW LAWN CONVERSION RECIPE CARDS PLUGGED LAWN CONVERSION POLLINATOR PATCH POLLINATOR ACTION PLAN SOMERVILLE BLUE ESCAPE (FROM MY LAWN!) SUNRISE (OVER MY LAWN!) MOW-ABLE GRASSES OCCASIONALLY MOW-ABLE FORBS PRE-MIXED NATIVE MEADOW SEED MIXES YELLOW GLIMMER Lawn Plugs, 12” OC Structural Plant Plugs Groundcover (or sub seasonal species!) To get involved, informed, or inspired, visit: voice.somervillema.gov/somerville-pollinator-action-plan M a y o r K a t j a n a B a l l a n t y n e 0’ 1’ 2’ 1” = 1’-0” 6” (6) (6) (4) (7) (4) Plant species directly into your existing lawn! Pick a Plant Palette! Plug your lawn with these plants to convert it into a pollinator meadow. For a more maintained look, manually remove all the grass fi rst and then install plugs or plant directly into the lawn and let it grow our for a ma 225

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 226 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 227 Seasonality Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F STRUCTURAL PLANT golden Alexander Zizia aurea yarrow Achillea millefolium slender mountain mint Pycnanthemum tenuifolium black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia fulgida grass-leaved goldenrod Euthamia graminifolia whorled coreopsis Coreopsis verticillata butterfl y milkweed Asclepias tuberosa lance-leafed coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata SUNRISE (OVER MY LAWN!) | Perennials to compete with rhizomatic lawn species! SUN| DRY | LESS THAN 3’ Photo: Aaron Volkening Photo: Emily Bell Photo: Reinald Kirchner Photo: Dan Mullen Photo: USFWS Mountain Prarie Photo: Frank Mayfi eld Photo: Frank Mayfi eld MS SP-MS LS LS LS MS ES-LS SP Seasonality Nativar included as an option is well-suited to urban sites. Swap in straight species as desired! Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F STRUCTURE PLANAT GROUNDCOVER woolly blue violet Viola sororia little blue-eyed grass Sisyrinchium angustifolium northern blazing star Liatris scariosa var. novae-angliae aromatic aster Symphyotrichum oblongifolium yarrow Achillea millefolium wild lupine Lupinus perennis hyssop Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ Photo: Joshua Mayer Photo: Patrick Standishv Photo: Peter D Tillman Photo: Mark Nenadov Photo: Reinald Kirchnerv Photo: Audrey Zharkikh Photo: Joshua Mayer BLUE ESCAPE (FROM MY LAWN!)| Perennials to compete with rhizomatic lawn species! SUN| DRY/MOIST | LESS THAN 4’ SP-MS MS-LS LS-F LS ES ES-F SP

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 228 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 229 Seasonality Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F golden alexander Zizia aurea white woodland aster Eurybia divaricatus blue wood aster Symphyotrichum cordifolium zigzag goldenrod Solidago fl exicaulis white snakeroot Ageratina altissima Photo: Aaron Volkening Photo: Thomas Quine Photo: Fritz Flohr Reynolds YELLOW GLIMMER| Perennials to compete with rhizomatic lawn species! SHADE| DRY/MOIST | LESS THAN 3’ STRUCTURE PLANAT GROUNDCOVER F SP LS LS LS-F Seasonality Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F GRASSES hard fescue Festuca brevipila sheep fescue Festuca ovina path rush Juncus tenuis purple lovegrass Eragrostis spectabilis roundseed panicum Dichanthelium sphaerocarpon sheep fescue var. Festuca ovina var. duriuscula blue fescue Festuca ovina var. glauca chewing fescue Festuca rubra subsp. commutata Photo: Matt Lavin Photo: Daryl Mitchell Photo: Matt Lavin Photo: Matt Lavin Photo: Bat Photo: Katja Schulz Photo: Andrey Zharkikh Photo: Harry Rose LAWN ALTERNATIVES : MOWABLE | GRASSES | MEADOW CONVERSION SUN | DROUGHT TOLERANT | LESS THAN 2.5’ ES-MS ES-MS SP-F LS-F ES-F SP ES SP-ES

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 230 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 231 Seasonality Sun Moisture Pollinator Rabbit Tolerant FULL SHADE WET WET/DRY DRY PART EARLY SUMMER LATE SUMMER ANNUAL ES LS AN SPRING MID SUMMER FALL SP MS F SEASONAL FORBS yarrow Achillea millefolium foxglove beardtongue Penstemon digitalis calico aster Symphyotrichum laterifl orus slender mountain mint Pycnanthemum tenuifolium Robin’s plantain Erigeron pulchellus stout blue-eyed grass Sisyrinchium angustifolium Indian tobacco Lobelia infl ata gray goldenrod Solidago nemoralis spotted bee balm Monarda punctata blue violet Viola sororia Photo: Reinald Kirchener Photo: Tom Pottersfi eld Photo: Dan Mullen Photo: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photo: Doug McGrady Photo: Cathie Bird Photo: Fritz Flohr Reynolds Photo: Lydia Fravel Photo: Hunda LAWN ALTERNATIVES : OCCASIONALLY MOWABLE | FORBS SUN | DROUGHT TOLERANT | LESS THAN 2.5’ MS-LS SP-ES F SP-MS ES-MS SP MS-F LS-F MS-F SP No Mow Lawn Grass Seed | American Meadows No Mow Lawn Seed Mix | Prairie Nursery This is a cool season grass mix, featuring six dwarf fi ne fescue grasses: Jamestown Chewing Fescue, Quatro Sheep Fescue, Sea Link Slender Fescue, Sword Fescue, Aurora Fescue, and Kent Creeping Fescue A blend of cool-season fescue grasses - mature height of 6” to 1’ if un-mown (varieties not spefi cied) LAWN ALTERNATIVES SEED MIXES | NO MOW This mix of dwarf fi ne fescue grasses will grow to create a thick, deep green carpet of fi nely textured turf. The grasses grow densely with deep roots, creating a lawn that is durable and drought-tolerant, ideal for high traffi c areas. Mow once a month or less. 5 lbs covers 1,000 sq ft. 10 lbs covers 2,000 sq ft. https://www.americanmeadows.com/product/grass-and-groundcover-seeds/no-mow-lawn-grass-seed No Mow Lawn is a drought tolerant, low-maintenance grass that needs mowing only once or twice a year. Once fully established, No Mow requires very little water, due to a large dense root system. No Mow grows actively in spring and fall. Once fully established, No Mow requires very little water, due to a large dense root system. Moderate foot traffi c is well tolerated and No Mow grows well in most soil types and light conditions. However, consistently moist soils and heavy clay soils should be avoided. https://www.prairienursery.com/no-mow-lawn-seed-mix.html Photo: ‘No Mow Grass Unmowed,’ American Meadows, americanmeadows.com Photo: ‘No Mow Lawn Seed Mix,’ Praire Nursery, prairenursery.com

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 232 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 233 This lawn mix is an ecologically-friendly version of the traditional American lawn, replacing exotic & resource-depleting species with non-invasive alternatives. Results in a beautiful lawn that requires less mowing, needs little watering, grows in full- to part-sun, & thrives without fertilizer. Seed Proivider Installation Instructions: Remove all vegetation in the area you want to seed. Rake smooth & spread seed on bare soil. Tamp to ensure good soil contact. Do not rake; lightly cover with straw. Water the seeds lightly each day until they emerge. Water as needed, once wildfl owers & grasses have germinated. Seeds can be spread any time of year, as long as they are consistently watered. Ideal times are Spring or Fall. Not all seeds will germinate the fi rst year - some need a winter to cold stratify. Spread with Love & Enjoy! https://www.helianativenursery.com/availability-and-price-list • Naturally adapted to a broad range of soils and climates • Fast germination and early spring green-up • Highly drought tolerant, reduces irrigation 50-100% • Slow growing - reducing mowing by at least 50% • Grows well in full sun, part shade and even deep shade • High levels of endophyte for increased insect resistance • Little to no fertilizers required • Develops deep roots to source water and nutrients naturally • Attractive erosion control on steep, unmowable slopes • Rich dark green colour • Salt tolerant • Ideal low maintenance turf https://www.wildfl owerfarm.com/eco-lawn.html This is the lawn alternative for dog owners and Parks & Rec departments (dog not required). Premium turf-type tall fescue varieties and Microclover® provide wear and drought tolerance. The tall fescues’ rhizomatous ‘self-repairing’ growth patterns and Microclover’s salt tolerance helps reduce the eff ects of pet urine. A bit of vigorous perennial ryegrass rounds out the mix. Dog Park is a great choice for any high traffi c area where drought tolerance and Rhizomatous Tall Fescue attributes are desired. Full sun to dappled shade. This lawn can be maintained at a 2 inch height for a manicured look or up to 4 inches to let the clover bloom in the summertime. Features & Benefi ts: drought tolerant, wear tolerant, nitrogen-fi xing, eff ective for overseeding of existing tall fescue sod. Establish Dog Park in areas that get four or more hours of sun; once established Dog Park has some shade tolerance. For shadier sites that get less than four hours of sunlight, check out PT 769 R&R Eco-Turf Mix. https://ptlawnseed.com/collections/drought-tolerance/products/pt-767-dog-park-eco-turf-mix Consists of: Winter, Autumn, and Rough Bent Grass, Tall Fescue, Creeping Red Fescue, Chewings Fescue, and Purple Top. Consists of: Slender Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra trichophylla)Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra subsp. rubra) Hard Fescue (Festuca brevipila Sheep Fescue (Festuca ovina subsp. glauca)Chewings Fescue (Festuca rubra subsp. fallax) Consists of: Rhizing Moon Tall Fescue - Festuca arundinacea ‘Rhizing Moon’, Bloodhound Tall Fescue - Festuca arundinacea, Foxhound Tall Fescue - Festuca arundinacea, Tetradark Perennial Ryegrass - Lolium perenne, Microclover® - Trifolium repens var Pipolina ssp Microclover LAWN ALTERNATIVES SEED MIXES | LOW MOW Photo: ‘767 Eco Lawn Green Path at Lavendar Farm’, PT Lawn Seed, ptlawnseed.com Photo: ‘Mowed and Unmowed Eco-Lawn’, Eartheasy, eartheasy.com Photo: ‘Helia Nurseries’, Lisa Vollmer Photography, helianativenursery.com Native Low Mow Lawn Mix | Helia Native Nursery Low Maintenance Eco-Lawn | Wildfl ower Farm 767 Dog Park Eco-Lawn Mix| PT Lawn Consists of: Perennial Ryegrass - Lolium perenne, Hard Fescue - Festuca trachyphylla, Quatro Tetraploid Sheep Fescue - Festuca ovina ‘Quatro’, White Yaak Yarrow - Achillea millefolium ‘Yaak’, White Clover - Trifolium repens , English Daisy - Bellis perennis, Sweet Alyssum - Lobularia maritima (annual), Baby Blue Eyes - Nemophila menziessii (annual), Strawberry Clover - Trifolium fragiferum LAWN ALTERNATIVES SEED MIXES |GRASS WITH FORBS Fleur de Lawn® is the original fl owering eco-lawn seed mix, inspired by the natural lawns of the New England countryside. We collaborated with Oregon State University to develop this earth-friendly, time and water saving lawn alternative. Hand-mixed in small batches in our Portland shop. Fleur de Lawn features perennial pink and white English daisies, both single and double petal. Enjoy blooms from late winter to mid-summer. Strawberry and Dutch white clovers and a special variety of dwarf yarrow add exceptional year-round green color. The clovers also naturally feed the lawn with nitrogen, eliminating the need for fertilizers. Beautiful but also durable and drought tolerant, Fleur outperforms grass-only conven- tional turf as a low-input and low-maintenance lawn. Not recommended for over seeding into an established lawn. For best results plant on bare soil in areas that get 4+hours of direct sunlight. Do not topdress (cover) seed. Mow about once a month to keep plants in balance. Maintain as high as 5 inches for a mini-meadow look or 3 inches for a more manicured lawn. https://ptlawnseed.com/collections/drought-tolerance/products/fl eur-de-lawn?variant=141703872 Photo: ‘755 Fleur de Lawn Pro Time Lawn Seed’, PT Lawn Seed, ptlawnseed.com 755 Fleur de Lawn | PT Lawn

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 234 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 235 Berkshire Meadow Mix | Helia Native Nursery Native Northeast Wildfl ower Seed Mix | American Meadows Species included: Common Milkweed, Orange Butterfl yweed, Nodding Bur Marigold, Blunt Broom Sedge, Partridge Pea, Showy Tick Trefoil, Purple Joe-Pye, Ox-Eye Sunfl ower, Vanilla Sweet Grass, Great Blue Lobelia, Wild Blue Lupine, Wild Bergamot, Spotted Bee Balm, Evening Primrose, Tall White Beardtongue, Black Eyed Susan, Little Bluestem, Showy Goldenrod, Smooth Blue Aster, New England Aster, Heath Aster, Purple Stemmed Aster & Golden Alexander. Species included: Eastern Red Columbine, Swamp Milkweed, Butterfl y Weed, New England Aster, Partridge Pea, Lance-Leaf Coreopsis, Spotted Joe Pye Weed, Indian Blanket, Ox-Eye Sunfl ower, Blazing Star or Gayfeather, Wild Lupine, Wild Bergamot, Evening Primrose, Beard Tongue, Black-eyed Susan, Sweet Black Eyed Susan, Brown-eyed Susan, Rigid Goldenrod LAWN ALTERNATIVES SEED MIXES | MEADOW SEED MIXES Up to 5’-0” High! Attracts a wide range of pollinators and needs full sun to part sun (at least 6 hours direct sun a day). Ideal for salt run-off areas, hot locations, poor soil and dry areas. 0.25 oz. will cover 45 square feet 1 oz. covers 175 square feet 1 lb. covers 2,000 square feet https://www.helianativenursery.com/availability-and-price-list Up to 5’-0” High! Long lasting blend of native Northeast wildfl owers that will give color all season long. This mixture contains 18 diff erent varieties including New England Aster, Red Columbine, Butterfl y Weed and Joe-Pye Weed. Perfect for that hard to mow hillside or just wanting to turn your lawn into a meadow, this mix is a solution. 1/4 lb covers 250-500 sq ft. 1/2 lb covers 500-1,000 sq ft. 1 lb covers 1,000-2,000 sq ft. https://www.americanmeadows.com/product/wildfl ower-seeds/native-northeast-wildfl ower-seed-mix Photo: ‘Eco-tour: Exploring the Demonstration Meadows at Helia Native Nursery,’ ELA, ecolandscaping.org Photo: ‘Native Northeast Wildfl ower Seed Mix,’ American Meadows, americanmeadows.com Pollinator Palooza Seed Mix | Prairie Moon Nursery Native Perennial Pollinator Wildfl ower Seed Mix | Vermont Wildfl ower Farm Species included: Anise Hyssop, Nodding Onion, Rose Milkweed, Common Milkweed, Butterfl y Weed, Whorled Milkweed, White Wild Indigo, Partridge Pea, Lance-leaf Coreopsis, Purple Praire Clover, Pale Purple Conefl ower, Purple Conefl ower, Rattlesnake Master, Biennial Guara, Cream Gentian, Showy Sunfl ower, Round-headed Bush Clover, Meadow Blazing Star, Prairie Blazing Star, Great Blue Lobelia, Wild Bergamot, Stiff Goldenrod, Wild Quinine, Foxglove Beardtongue, Hair Mountain Mint, Mountain Mint, Yellow Conefl ower, Black-eyed Susan, Brown-eyed Susan, Early Figwort, Wild Senna, Early Goldenrod, Showy Goldenrod, Smooth Blue Aster, Ohio Spiderwort, Blue Vervain, Culver’s Root, Golden Alexanders, Side-oats Grama, Field Oval Sedge, Canada Wild Rye, Dudley’s Rush, Little Bluestem, Rough Dropseed, Prairie Dropseed. Species included: Lanceleaf Coreopsis, Butterfl y Weed, Purple Conefl ower, Tall White Beardtongue, Black-eyed Susan, Partridge Pea, Blue Vervain, Smooth Blue Aster, Blazing Star, Swamp Milkweed, New England Aster, Wild Seena, Ohio Spiderwort, Golden Alexanders, Wild Bargamot, White Avens, Narrowleaf Mountain Mint, Blue False Indigo, Roundhead Lespedeza, Boneset, Joy-Pye Weed, White Snakeroot. LAWN ALTERNATIVES SEED MIXES | MEADOW SEED MIXES Praire Moon Nursery off ers this seed mix in cooperation with the “Bring Back the Pollinators” campaign of the non-profi t Xerces Society (https://xerces.org/). Designed for full-sun to partial-shade sites with medium soils, this mixed-height mix boasts grasses and most wildfl owers at 3’, with some fl owers reaching 6’ at full bloom. Bloom times progress spring through fall. Our Pollinator-Palooza Seed Mix moves beyond more common pollinator mixes by off ering plants that appeal to a broad array of pollinating insects. Included in the 45 species are some not commonly available like Late Figwort and Hairy Mountain Mint. https://www.prairiemoon.com/pollinator-palooza-seed-mix A mixture of native wildfl owers that provide food and shelter for pollinators. These native wildfl owers are all perennials. They will come back year after year once established. Hand packed with 100% pure, fresh wildfl ower seed (non-GMO & neonicotinoid/chemical free) Mix of 22 perennials with long lasting bloom. Other Features: Easy to grow, adapts to various soil conditions, excellent for all pollinators, low maintenance once established, long bloom time, cut fl owers, mass plantings, drought tolerant, native. 1 lb covers 1,000-2,000 sq ft 15-20 lbs per acre https://www.vermontwildfl owerfarm.com/products/native-perennial-pollinator-mix Photo: ‘Pollinator Palooza Seed Mix Year 3,’ Praire Moon Nursery, prairiemoon.com/pollinator-palooza-seed-mix Photo: ‘Native Perennial Wildfl ower Seed Mix,’ Vermont Wildfl ower Farm, vermontwildfl owerfarm.com

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Pollinator Pantry 236 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Pollinator Pantry 237 Mesic to Dry Native Pollinator Mix w/o Grasses | Prairie Moon Nursery Species included: Purple Conefl ower, Tall White Beardtongue, Blue Vervain, Lanceleaf Coreopsis, Blackeyed Susan, Oxeye Sunfl ower, Roundhead Lespedeza, Golden Alexanders, Partridge Pea, Wild Senna, Swamp Milkweed, Heath Aster, Blue False Indigo, Calico Aster, Browneyed Susan, Boneset, Wild Bergamot, Hoary Mountainmint, Common Milkweed, White Goldenrod, Gray Goldenrod, Early Goldenrod, Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod LAWN ALTERNATIVES SEED MIXES | MEADOW SEED MIXES This mix contains native forbs common in the Northeast. Excellent for wildlife food and shelter, including pollinators. Mix formulations are subject to change without notice depending on the availability of existing and new products. While the formula may change, the guiding philosophy and function of the mix will not. https://www.ernstseed.com/product/mesic-to-dry-native-pollinator-mix-w-o-grasses/ Photo: ‘Pollinator Palooza Seed Mix Year 3,’ Praire Moon Nursery, prairiemoon.com/pollinator-palooza-seed-mix

COMMUNITY OUTREACH Section 12 Photograph by: Cristian Umaña, Offshoots

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Community Outreach Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Community Outreach 241 240 Engagement Approach The SPAP Advisory Committee and the project team collaborated on the community outreach approach. They agreed that it is vital to engage with community members who are not yet aware/involved with this topic, to go out into the community and meet them where they are, and to stay open to feedback. The engagement approach is two-pronged. Phase one, in the spring of 2024, coincided with Plan development. Phase two will concur with Plan rollout. This section will review the approach and findings of phase one. Recommendations for phase two can be found in Section 13: What’s Next. Outreach Goals The following goals were generated for phase one in collaboration with the committee, PSUF, and community outreach specialist Harry Harding of Conditioning Leaders: - Goal: Engage with informed/less informed/uninformed community members. - Objective – Develop strategies to reach each where they are. - Objective – Develop strategies that allow for ownership to evolve. - Goal: Seek measurable data that can be gathered in a variety of ways. - Goal: Root engagement in understanding what Somerville values. - Goal: Provide education on why this project is happening, the importance of pollinators, and how we all can help. The engagement process also tried to fill knowledge gaps in the data review. This included crowdsourcing information on existing residential garden types and locations, understanding what best practices the community is ready to take on, and gathering an initial understanding of the community’s interest in pollinators. Outreach Method With the goals above in mind, the outreach package was designed to act as a “meeting in a box.” The materials could be used by the City, the committee, or placed on display to garner feedback at many different events rather than at a singular outreach meeting (refer to Appendix D for these materials). Each individual outreach material explains how to use the information and includes a QR code linked to the SomerVoice page with digital versions of each form. A Google Form version of the questionnaire and an ESRI Storymap version of the mapping exercise were created to be filled out by residents online and were used to input data as it was collected. Using a standard set of questions allowed a 1:1 collection of responses across platforms. The meeting-in-a-box kit included the following components: Informational Board and Flyer – “Why Pollinators” These educational resources provide the basic foundation for why pollinators are important and why they are in decline, explaining the reason why Somerville is prioritizing this Plan. It also introduces the mascot species and links to the online video series “Meet Your Neighbors” to further educate the community on the local species they may see around town. Informational Flyer – “How You Can Help” A handout with a short list of recommendations for how the Somerville community can participate in helping pollinators. One page speaks to residents with gardens and the other to residents without space to plant. The goal is to communicate that everyone can participate in this effort, and we need “all hands on deck.” Map of Existing Gardens To help understand the existing state of pollinator habitat throughout the city, residents can identify the location of any known existing gardens with a pin on a city map (fruit/vegetable, ornamental flowering, native flowering). A digital version is shared through a QR code and was used to compile all data points. Questionnaire/Pledge The questionnaire gives the community an opportunity to express their level of interest in providing for pollinators, to pledge actions they are ready to take, and to teach a little bit about what actions will help. A digital version is shared through a QR code and was used to compile all data points. Outreach Process From March through May 2024, the SPAP committee and PSUF staff attended 15 events throughout Somerville to spread the word about the Pollinator Action Plan. These events included a diverse group of Somerville residents, from K-12 students at Family Steam Night to the Council on Aging’s bingo lunch. Outreach materials were developed during this time, and the meeting-in-a-box kit was rolled out in mid- April (see Appendix D). Community Outreach Community Engagement Goals: To continuously devleop strategies for community awareness, collect data that is mesaurable, and foster a sense of ownership and action. Intial outreach showed community support but engagement was very limited at the time of publication. Tools and Methods: • A ‘Meeting in a Box,’ is provided to spread the word at events - see Appendix D to access the materials. • Demonstration garden at Somerville City Hall planted in June 2024. Future Engagement Goals: Expand efforts and encourage engagement to audiences not previously reached. Key Ideas:

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Community Outreach 242 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Community Outreach 243 no way not so much meh, whatever sounds good! heck yeah! 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Summary of Community Feedback Figure 37 and 39 reflect the feedback received from the outreach questionnaire (See Appendix D for the original questionnaire). As indicated by the charts, the responses received were overwhelmingly supportive of the Pollinator Action Plan. However, many events were environmentally focused, and the results may not reflect the feelings of the Somerville community as a whole. As of August 2024, only 55 community members have answered the questionnaire. Only 50 responses were recorded to the pledge and 38 to the interest level question. With a total population of approximately 80,000 residents, it is essential to continue this outreach and hear from more residents during the next phase of this project. The priorities and recommendations in this Plan should be revisited once more responses are available for analysis. The Somerville garden mapping exercise (Figure 38) received 144 responses. The pins on the in-person maps are not precise enough to know exactly the address of each garden, but they do start to show existing habitat patches. Open-ended text responses provided additional input from the community and were largely in support of this Plan. Key words used by responders are represented in the word cloud (Figure 40). Figure 37: Results of community feedback and outreach asking the Somerville community to gauge their interest level in supporting more pollinators around town. Figure 39: Results of SPAP pledge asking what ways the community would be able/willing to support pollinators (results over 3% shown). Figure 38: Results of community mapping exercise.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Community Outreach 244 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Community Outreach 245 At the time of publication the outreach materials are in the process of being translated but had not yet been disseminated. As phase one wraps up and phase two (Plan rollout) gets underway, sharing translated materials will be critical to ensure the whole community has access to these resources and information. City Hall Demonstration Garden As part of this Plan, a demonstration garden was constructed with a group of volunteers between June 26-28, 2024. The garden removes approximately 1,000 sq ft of lawn at City Hall and replaced it with three different plant palettes from the SPAP recommendations to support local pollinators. Plants were selected based on the floral resource requirements of Somerville pollinators, as indicated by our data analysis. The specific recipe cards used for this installation can be found in Section 11: Pollinator Pantry (Sunny Day, Purple Sky & Magenta Magnet). The goals of the demonstration garden are to: 1) Support pollinators with larval host species and pollen and nectar resources. 2) Demonstrate maintenance practices that support nesting. 3) Create a beautiful garden that many community members will find aesthetically pleasing and use as inspiration for their own properties. 4) Provide a low-maintenance, easy-to-install garden that will survive hot, dry, and sunny site conditions, with only 9” of available soil, and tolerate rabbit browse. The garden serves as an area not only to view plants but also as a location for future regular monitoring of pollinator visitors. Photographs by: Cristian Umaña, Offshoots Photographs by: Cristian Umaña, Offshoots Volunteers working with Offshoots to install the demonstration garden.

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan Community Outreach 246 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | Community Outreach 247 team and the Advisory Committee was that for the contents of this Plan to be successful, there needs to be a groundswell of support. One way to get the ball rolling would be to encourage a sense of ownership of this work that changes hands over time. By giving community groups, student groups, and residents the knowledge and skills needed to do the work of supporting pollinators, they can each pass along the message and encourage their networks to get involved. This sort of citywide community support could make a huge difference in the efficacy of this Plan. Advisory Committee members are perfectly poised to be some of those initial lines of connection. The SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs can also help spread awareness and resources into their existing networks of immigrant and non-English-speaking communities. As the community aims to create a healthier environment for pollinators in Somerville and expand our shared understanding of their role in the urban ecosystem, it is vital to engage the community actively and intentionally. Engagement strategies should be creative, iterative, and adaptive. A commitment to collection and analysis of the efficacy of outreach strategies is critical. This will enable more informed engagement of residents and stakeholders. To optimize the impact of outreach, the City and its partners are encouraged to take action, learn, adjust, and repeat.  Refer to Section 13 for additional information on what is next. The intention of this installation is to showcase the achievable balance between pollinator benefits and aesthetics. The plant palette highlights species that are predominantly native to MA and have the most pollinator interactions observed in Somerville. There are a handful of regionally native species (native to New York/PA) and nativars added to enhance the overall appearance of the garden throughout the year. Ongoing Outreach Recommendations Additional outreach is recommended to continue developing an understanding of Somerville residents’ values around pollinators and habitat. What is the community’s level of interest in pollinators? Are they ready to act and how are they willing to change their day-to-day behaviors? These findings can provide insight into whether there is a true groundswell of support for pollinators or a smaller group of community members who are actively engaged. This will help shape future outreach efforts. In the short term, the outreach materials provided for the initial data collection can continue to be used throughout the Plan rollout phase to understand community interest and current habitat locations. Future engagement could include using multiple platforms such as social media, local newspapers, community bulletin boards, and even direct mail to ensure a wider reach. Hosting events at different times and locations across the city can also engage a broader spectrum of residents. Additionally, offering incentives for participation, such as small giveaways or entry into a raffle, might encourage more people to respond. By broadening the scope of outreach and employing diverse methods, the City can aim to gather more balanced and comprehensive feedback from its residents. A key takeaway from the outreach collaboration between the project Figure 40: Results of community feedback and Google Form outreach questionnaire.

WHAT’S NEXT? Section 13

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan What’s Next? 250 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | What’s Next? 251 What’s Next? Completing the Somerville Pollinator Action Plan is a big step. This Plan is supported by the excellent research the City has done on Somerville’s climate vulnerabilities and urban tree canopy, along with ordinances seeking to increase habitat and green space. However, there is hard work to be done to ensure that this Plan is a success in the long term. This section outlines opportunities for the City and the greater Somerville community to continue the mission of this report in a meaningful and impactful way. The following suggestions will need community partners and residents’ support to get them off the ground. These ideas are just the beginning of what could become a lasting culture of supporting Somerville’s pollinators. Species Monitoring Additional expert surveys are recommended to fill in the identified data gaps (see Section 5: Somerville’s Pollinators) and document the initial impact of SPAP plantings. While these may be beyond the scope and expertise of City staff, these recommendations could be accomplished through partnerships and collaborations with scientific, academic, and community partners. Data Gaps – Expert Survey A two-year expert survey from early spring through the following spring is recommended and should include the following: - Surveying pollinators in public green spaces during each season of activity with a focus on poorly sampled areas of Somerville. - Specific focus on trees and shrubs to fill in gaps in early-season data. Two years of spring surveys are recommended. - Key interactions with native plant species to guide citywide plantings. - One training day in each fiscal year for citizen scientists on pollinator identification. - Graphical and narrative report on data findings. A one-year expert survey from spring through fall is recommended to study the nocturnal insects in the city and would include: - Surveying nocturnal flower-visiting insects in public green spaces during each season of activity. - Key interactions with native plant species to guide citywide plantings. - One training day in each fiscal year for citizen scientists on nocturnal flower-visiting insect identification. - Graphical and narrative report on data findings. Ongoing additional expert surveys are recommended once every 3-5 years to document SPAP project impact and assess whether conservation goals need to be refined/updated. This monitoring will complement ongoing citizen science efforts to document pollinators using iNaturalist and Earthwise Aware (EwA). Part of this can include in-person training of citizen scientists to gather better data on pollinators. Data Gaps – Citizen Scientists Somerville residents will continue to play a vital role in monitoring pollinator species and their plant interactions. Posting observations to iNaturalist and EwA Buggy (when trained by Earthwise Aware) will provide supplemental species data and allow expert reviewers to monitor trends over time compared to the findings of this project. Visit iNaturalist to see the SPAP project and start adding your own observations. Ongoing monitoring by the community will help gauge the success of this work. Photo Source: iNaturalist 250 How do we keep up the momentum on our Pollinator Action Plan? Potential future recommendations include: • Ongoing Pollinator Species Monitoring • SPAP Bio Blitz (monitoring events) • Five-Year Monitoring Review • Pilot Projects (i.e., create more habitat) Ideas for Sustained Community Engagement: • Pollinator Ambassadors • Pollinator Food Truck and/or DIY Garden Kits • Awareness Campaign • Landscape Service Industry Training Early Action Items: • See the To-Do List Key Ideas:

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan What’s Next? 252 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | What’s Next? 253 Mascot Species Section 5: Somerville’s Pollinators identified six pollinator species that will act as community engagement mascots and be targeted for additional monitoring. These species can be an educational tool to emphasize the importance of building human to non-human community for healthy, sustainable cities. These six pollinators are representative of the ecological diversity of pollinators in Somerville, and efforts to support these six will benefit many other species. In addition, they are visually striking and conspicuous, meaning they are easy to identify for monitoring efforts by citizen scientists. To learn more about these species’ ecology and identification, watch Dr. Nick Dorian’s SPAP videos “Meet Your Neighbors!” SPAP Bio Blitz Local partners can help create buzz around monitoring by hosting a “Bio Blitz” event through the SPAP iNaturalist project. Promoting a short window of time for the community to get outside and track sightings would increase the number of observations and raise awareness. These events could be based around a time of year (e.g., to get additional early spring data), particular species (e.g., the mascot species), an area of the city (e.g., to fill in Ward One and Two data gap), or a time of day (e.g., to track nocturnal flower visitors). Five Years From Now – What Would We Like to Know? As a part of ongoing monitoring, the following questions should be reviewed at least every five years: How are pollinators faring in Somerville? Pick common, easily identifiable species (with less-common partner species) to monitor over time. This Plan has identified the first six mascot species to track. Over time the target species can shift based on identified trends or issues. Did community members generate this knowledge? Are Somerville citizens participating in the advancement of habitat and monitoring data? If not, can the City implement additional ongoing outreach to involve the community in this vital process? Can the available garden designs be refined to support pollinators most in need? As new information becomes available on pollinator trends, the City should refine and adjust the available documentation to meet the current species’ needs. For example, if any of the regional species that are not currently found in Somerville begin to show up in the data, there would be an opportunity to provide residents/City planners with the information needed to support that particular group. Are patches and corridors being established? Are the known areas of habitat expanding and creating a network throughout the city? Is this occurring in some areas and not others? This information should be considered as the City reviews its prioritization metrics (see Section 9) and used to determine what area may need additional outreach support to work towards this goal. Pilot Projects Pollinator Patches The City, in collaboration with partner organizations, should consider implementing demonstration gardens in public parks using the prioritization framework and best practices included in this report. These installations will expand existing habitat and should include signage to educate the community on planting and maintenance practices. Pollinator Pots Building off the work done by the Tufts Pollinator Initiative (TPI), the City and/or partner organizations could raise awareness by installing pots of attractive, pollinator-friendly plants at Somerville parks and at corners of major intersections. The pots would contain flowering perennials that bloom in their first year of planting and interpretive signage with a link to an online website where participants can learn more about the project. From TPI’s experience doing ecological research with planters at parks throughout Somerville, dense plantings of highly attractive flowers draw the attention of curious community members as much as they do the attention of hungry pollinators. Based on the success of the TPI project, it is anticipated that Pollinator Pots would tap into a much broader and more diverse audience with relatively little effort. After the growing season, the flowers in the pots could be given out to community members to increase participation in urban pollinator gardening and reduce financial barriers. To further support the wards identified as having fewer observed pollinators, these could be placed in areas like East Somerville or around apartment buildings in Wards One, Two, and Four where residents do not have individual gardens. Ongoing Engagement Opportunities The recommendations of this Plan will only be successful if they are adopted. Continued City and community support to spread awareness about the importance of creating pollinator habitat will be critical to the success of this initiative. The following opportunities for ongoing outreach are recommended for local organizations, institutions, City partners, non-profits, etc.: Photo Source: Tufts Pollinator Initiative

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan What’s Next? 254 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | What’s Next? 255 Pollinator Ambassadors Training Somerville residents have diverse backgrounds in pollinator conservation, ranging from highly knowledgeable to novices who may be afraid of insects or intimidated by gardening. To engage all residents of Somerville, a local organization could facilitate an online training program called “Somerville Pollinator Ambassadors” (SPA). This program would train self-selected residents to be informed and capable advocates for pollinators in their community. By investing in education, trained residents (“ambassadors”) could continue raising awareness for pollinator conservation and gardening at outreach events across the city. The SPA training program would be an online course created by a consultant/partner that teaches the ecology and conservation of urban pollinators and trains participants in effective science communication. Dr. Nick Dorian has already piloted this program in spring 2023 with 12 undergraduates at Tufts University. Not only does this program model increase SPAP’s impact and reach within the greater Boston area— making Somerville a hub of pollinator knowledge and expertise—but when your neighbor becomes your teacher, it also creates a culture of pollinator conservation centered entirely on community. SPA would equip ambassadors with a highly transferable set of public speaking and communication skills they can use to catalyze positive environmental change for years to come. Pollinator Food Truck A partner organization could host a “food truck” for pollinators by providing a mobile native plant nursery that sells plant species to support local pollinators. Trucks could be used as a pop-up pollinator education tool for public events and create a fun buzz (pardon our pun) around the Pollinator Action Plan. This would be a highly visible way to build support for the early adoption of SPAP concepts. DIY Pollinator Garden Kits This giveaway/sale idea would provide pre-mixed plant bundles that each contain the plants found in a specific recipe card designed for a particular set of site conditions. Similar to the “food truck” idea above, DIY garden kits could bring public outreach to farmer’s markets and public events (or be sold on the food truck). Pollinator Postcards & Sticker Campaign (Mascot Species) A fun opportunity to expand the visibility of the mascot species (see Section 5: Somerville’s Pollinators and Section 11: Pollinator Pantry for more information) is to create large stickers and pollinator postcards of each of the six mascot species. Imagine pollinator stickers flying around on every water bottle and bike in Somerville! The goal would be to raise awareness and help residents recognize these commonly seen and easily identifiable pollinators in Somerville. New species stickers and postcards could be added in the future. Education for Landscape Companies Private landscape companies manage a large portion of Somerville’s landscapes. A new normal must be established to change commonplace landscape maintenance practices around the city. This will require educating landscape installers and maintenance companies to move away from conventional practices and towards the best practices outlined in this Plan. Getting companies to change these practices, including frequent mowing and mulching (which can bolster revenues), may be difficult. However, if Somerville residents and landowners ask for pollinator- friendly landscape services, there will be demand for contractors to shift in that direction. Some contractors will also be willing and ready now. To help facilitate that changing trend, the City could partner with a local non-profit to host workshops for landscapers, provide resources for those willing to become certified as pro-pollinator landscape contractors, or create an online directory of contractors who provide these services to help the Somerville community connect with them. The DIY Pollinator Garden concept is inspired by the custom garden kits designed and sold by Hudson Garden Studio. Photo Source: Hudson Garden Studio Instagram. The Native Plant Pollinator Food Truck is inspired by the work of Miridae on their Mobile Nursery, Sacremento, CA. Photo Source: American Society of Landscape Architects. DIY garden kits and a pollinator “food truck” are two fun ways that community groups could help distrubte plants to the community. Visit Hudson Garden Studio’s website to learn more about their garden kits and Miridae’s website to learn more about the Miridae Mobile Nursery. Photo Source: Tufts Pollinator Initiative

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan What’s Next? 256 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | What’s Next? 257 Community Organizations - Collaborate with the City to initiate the actions outlined in this section: - Host species monitoring and bio blitz events. - Develop how-to pollinator gardening guides. - Provide training events. - Offer a plant kit/seed giveaway or sale. - Continue outreach efforts and spread the word about Somerville’s pollinators and this Plan to your network and regional organizations. - Advocate for State and Federal legislation that bans the use of neonicotinoids. - Organize plantings with your organization/network and develop planting and maintenance plans based on the information in this report. When ordering plants, ask your local nurseries about the native plants they offer, the straight species they sell, and if any of their plant stock was propagated from wild, local seeds. City of Somerville Mayor’s Office - Consider signing the Bee City USA pledge. City Councilors/Legislation - Consider adopting a Dark Sky Ordinance and/or a “lights out policy.” - Collaborate with the Inspectional Services and PSUF on Overgrowth Ordinance. SPAP To-Do List Looking ahead, the following action items can be the first small steps towards putting this Plan into action. This list should evolve as additional outreach efforts are completed and as new data becomes available. Somerville Residents - Plant a pollinator garden in your yard or in pots on your porch/balcony. - Suggest planting a pollinator garden to your employer, landlord, school, or community group. - Follow the maintenance and lighting practices outlined in this Plan. - Ask your local nursery about the native plants they offer, the straight species they sell, and if any of their plant stock was propagated from wild, local seeds. - Participate in citizen science to count pollinators in Somerville by posting observations to iNaturalist or attending a training with Earthwise Aware. - Advocate for pollinators in Somerville and against the use of neonicotinoids more broadly with local and state government. - Get involved with local community organizations to find community and support for this work. - Share information and resources with your friends, family, neighbors, and community. Be an advocate, spread the word, and keep the momentum moving forward for pollinators! Department of Public Space and Urban Forestry - Develop a comprehensive map of existing pollinator plantings (defined as having a high percentage of native plants) in public parks. Use this map to determine areas of opportunity for adding pollinator plants in existing or new beds based on the priorities outlined in this Plan. - Update the prioritized and potential habitat map (see Figure 35 in Section 9: Public Space and Policy Recommendations) when new data becomes available. - Develop partnerships with scientific, academic, and community partners to address monitoring needs. - Secure funding for additional pollinator plantings. - Collaborate with the Department of Public Works on creating a revised set of maintenance specifications for City staff and landscape and horticultural contractors working on public spaces throughout the city. - Work with State partners to identify opportunities for pollinator habitat and adjusting management practices on State-owned land throughout the city. - Develop a pollinator garden signage/certification program for private properties. - Collaborate with the Planning, Preservation, and Zoning on potential adjustments to the Green Score requirements and bonuses. - Work with City Council to review applicable ordinances. - Collaborate with community organizations on implementation, outreach, and Plan rollout as outlined. - As more responses to outreach materials come in, review the Plan’s recommendations to confirm that they match community needs. Update as necessary. - Provide the Somerville Public Library system with at least one copy of this Plan for each location. Photograph by: Shelby Chapman-Hale, Offshoots

| Somerville Pollinator Action Plan What’s Next? 258 Somerville Pollinator Action Plan | What’s Next? 259 Closing Remarks Mayor Ballantyne, Somerville PSUF staff, SPAP Advisory Committee members, Offshoots design team, and the community gathered to celebrate the launch of the Somerville Pollinator Action Plan in July 2024. Photograph by: Cristian Umaña, Offshoots The Somerville Pollinator Action Plan has been years in the making. This effort has taken the work of advocates, City employees, a dedicated advisory committee, partner agencies, skilled consultants, and the support of the City Council and Mayor Ballantyne’s administration. It is through the many conversations, debates, analyses, edits, and more edits that we reach this inspiring point today. Not a project end, but a jumping off point. What has become apparent is that there is a part for all to play in creating habitat in Somerville. Whether you have a small porch with pots to grow in or own the huge swaths of land along the Mystic River, you can support pollinators and wildlife. This kind of work is unique in that way. It does not require an advanced degree, a career in restoration, or a large property. It can and must be done by the broadest variety of residents possible. Unlike cities with acres of conserved land at their disposal, Somerville has to build an impact through many small actions. Each front yard, each street tree, each collection of garden pots combines to create a city of pollinator-friendly corridors. In this way, we act as a group, not as individuals. This plan is a road map that residents, City staff, and other municipalities can follow. It is not for Somerville alone, though it speaks directly to Somerville residents and staff. These materials are available for anyone to learn from and act on. We will make more of a difference if this work, as many pollinators do, crosses municipal borders. This Plan was driven by all the dynamic energy that characterizes Somerville, but it is a call to action for us all. We can only hope that in ten years’ time we will see these efforts build upon one another, creating a vast urban ecology that we all can be proud to have taken part in creating. Thank you for joining us. Sincerely, Alison Maurer Ecological Restoration Planner City of Somerville

References Photograph by: Dr. Nicholas Dorian

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All figures, tables, and diagrams were developed by Offshoots, Inc. unless otherwise noted in the report. “CC0 enables scientists, educators, artists and other creators and owners of copyright- or database-protected content to waive those interests in their works and thereby place them as completely as possible in the public domain, so that others may freely build upon, enhance and reuse the works for any purposes without restriction under copyright or database law.” - Creative Commons Organization

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