The Buzz and Blooms Story

 

About the Author

Welcome! I created this site to encourage people to learn about our native pollinators, discover how to grow vibrant habitats to protect them, and inspire others to pursue community-volunteer conservation projects.

My inspiration grew directly from the time I spent as an avid hiker and kayaker. After spending countless hours exploring the incredible ecological diversity of our region – soaking in the rich native flora and fauna – I returned home and noticed a jarring contrast. The urban cul-de-sac where I live was a complete pollinator desert. There were manicured lawns, but not even a single native wild violet grew in the shared green spaces.

Driven by curiosity and concern, I began investigating how our urban landscapes could become so disconnected from nature. The investigation quickly transformed into a personal mission, and my journey to protect pollinators began.

Volunteer Projects

To better understand and support our local ecosystems, I stepped into the world of environmental outreach. As a dedicated naturalist volunteer, I have focused on community-driven science and habitat education through several key initiatives:

Volunteer History

Open Space Trail Volunteer

Maintained vital connector trails across urban corridors, public parks, and undeveloped open spaces.

Implemented habitat restoration projects to preserve native landscapes.

Master Gardener

Provided horticultural services, soil testing resources, and educational outreach.

Participated in public park restoration and developed regional community garden resources.

Naturalist Volunteer

Engaged in citizen initiatives including the Phenology Project and Pollinator Monitoring to support regional research studies.

Organized exploratory hikes to engage the local community in biodiversity exploration.

Resources

iNaturalist: Contribute to science. Share photos

Pollinators by Season: Explore pollinator seasons. Discover their habitats. Learn to create thriving environments to help them flourish.

Spring Pollinators: The First Buzz of Spring

Summer Pollinators: Nature at Full Speed

Pollinator Partnership

Join an iNaturlist community pollinator project.

  • Collaborate with fellow pollinator enthusiasts.
  • Showcase your photos.
  • Experience the world of pollinators.

Common Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) on sunflower