HOW IT GOT STARTED

Pollinator Pathway's roots in Licking County

In December 2022, entomologist and bestselling author Doug Tallamy came to Licking County for a series of events, including a public lecture at Denison, a hike and biological survey with community members in the Denison Bioreserve and a luncheon with local landscape professionals.  The events attracted hundreds of participants--including more than 500 attendees to Swasey Chapel--and generated a groundswell of interest in reimagining lawns as wildlife habitat. In an effort to build upon the momentum & interest created by Dr. Tallamy’s vital message and visit, the host committee continued to meet to contemplate next steps. The original planning group expanded to include representatives from more than a dozen local organizations. The group initially focused on cross promoting native plant-related events, eventually formalizing a partnership under the Pollinator Pathway umbrella. In February 2023, Licking County joined dozens of other Pollinator Pathway communities across the country to focus on connecting continuous corridors of natural areas and promote native plant gardens in order to support bees, butterflies, birds and other wildlife. 

Partner Organizations