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- Healthy Schoolyards | People and Pollinators Action Network
PPAN supports the creation of schoolyards that are safe, ecologically resilient, and community-driven. HEALTHY SCHOOLYARDS INITIATIVE THE STATE OF SCHOOLYARDS The movement for green space From across the nation, people flock to Colorado to experience our state’s vast natural areas. From the peaks of the Maroon Bells to the sands of the San Luis Valley, there is no shortage of wilderness and nature to explore. It’s no secret that Colorado is famous for our outdoor recreation. Even within our urban areas, Colorado has become renowned on a national level for our green spaces. According to the Trust for Public Land’s ParkServe tool, more than 70% of the population in all 5 of Colorado’s largest metropolitan areas (Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Lakewood, and Fort Collins) live within a ten minute walk of a park (1). In 2025, Denver ranked 10th in the nation when accounting for green space acreage, access, investment, amenities, and equity (2). The resulting health benefits from having access to green space and spending time in nature are widely studied, especially when it comes to children and their health, safety, and development (3). In fact since its beginnings in the late aughts, the movement to convert traditional asphalt schoolyards into green spaces that prioritize outdoor learning and creative nature play has gained traction in states across the country (4). However, there is often a key piece missing from the green schoolyards conversation- the use of dangerous synthetic pesticides. This issue is especially pervasive here in Colorado, despite our reputation as a leader in the green space and outdoor recreation movement. Pesticides and the danger to children’s health Children are especially vulnerable to pesticide and other toxic exposures due to their smaller size, developing bodies, and time spent playing outdoors (5). On school grounds, this risk is increased by landscaping choices - much of the greenery on Colorado schoolyards is non-native and ornamental, requiring chemical treatments to maintain. Instead of supporting children’s health and well-being, these spaces put the very population most sensitive to toxics at unnecessary risk. This risk persists because of significant gaps in the legal protections meant to prevent it. At the federal level, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) establishes a baseline pesticide registration process through the EPA, but that process is widely recognized as flawed, industry-friendly, and not protective, and it leaves enforcement to states (6). Colorado’s own laws, the Pesticide Act and the Pesticide Applicators’ Act, do even less - the only provision addressing pesticide use on school grounds requires posting a notification sign, with rules that govern little more than the sign’s size and placement at one entry point (7). PPAN’s Healthy Schoolyards Initiative Through the new Healthy Schoolyards Initiative, PPAN is mobilizing educators, administrators, parents, and state and community leaders to: Advance pesticide-free land management as a practical, low-cost solution that protects children’s health without straining school budgets Advance stronger state and local protections against pesticide exposure for children Build a coalition of stakeholders in childhood education to expand safe, natural outdoor learning across Colorado Where opportunities allow, PPAN also supports the longer-term greening of gray, asphalt schoolyards into nature-play spaces to ease the effects of intensifying heat and to create healthier places for children to learn and play. PPAN cares deeply about this issue. In 2022, we led Colorado’s first omnibus pesticide-safety bill , which included school grounds pesticide restrictions and notification requirements; it failed in committee amid strong opposition from the agrochemical industry. We have also made multiple attempts, through SB20-189 , SB22-131 , HB24-1178 , and the Pesticide Applicators’ Act sunset review , to remove the state’s preemption of local pesticide regulation so communities can set their own protections; each was defeated due to industry lobbying. Our ongoing work includes an organic turf management program , a pollinator habitat grants program , pesticide reduction coalitions , and support for HB25-1061 , a new state law establishing a schoolyard grant program. Every child deserves a schoolyard where they can explore nature safely, free from unnecessary pesticide exposure. Join PPAN in making that a reality across Colorado. Pesticides & health The legislative landscape of pesticides Healthy Schoolyards webinar Join the coalition Advocacy action checklist Resource library, technical assistance, & funding - coming soon 1. The Trust for Public Land. (2025b). ParkScore Index [Map]. The Trust for Public Land. https://parkserve.tpl.org/mapping/ 2. The Trust for Public Land. (2025a). Denver, CO ParkScore ranking. 2025 ParkScore City Rankings; The Trust for Public Land. https://www.tpl.org/city/denver-colorado 3. Stark, B. (2025, July 14). Nature play: Benefits for children and families. University of Minnesota. Umn.Edu. https://ceed.umn.edu/nature-play-benefits-children-and-families 4. Orellana, A. (2026, February 18). National Coalition launches refreshed green schoolyards action agenda. Trust for Public Land. Trust for Public Land. https://www.tpl.org/media-room/national-coalition-launches-refreshed-green-schoolyards-action-agenda 5. United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2014, February 12). Children’s unique vulnerabilities to environmental hazards | US EPA. US EPA. US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/children/childrens-unique-vulnerabilities-environmental-hazards 6. Dr. Jennifer Sass Senior Scientist, Environmental Health & Nature, & Wu Alum, M. (2013, March 26). Superficial safeguards: Most pesticides are approved by flawed EPA process. Natural Resource Defense Council. NRDC.Org. https://www.nrdc.org/resources/superficial-safeguards-most-pesticides-are-approved-flawed-epa-process-issuebrief 7. Colorado Department of Agriculture Division of Plant Industry. (2015). Title 35 Article 10 Pesticide Applicator’s Act [PDF]. Colorado Department of Agriculture Division of Plant Industry. https://webdoc.agsci.colostate.edu/cepep/docs/12-16-2015%20PRINT%20COPY%20CRS%20Title%2035%20Article%2010%20(2015).pdf
- Pollinator Successes | People and Pollinators
The People and Pollinators Action Network’s staff and leaders have made a lot of progress over the years! Check out all of our recent successes and accomplishments. OUR SUCCESSES People and Pollinators Action Network’s team and community partners have made much progress over the past decade! Check out some of our successes and accomplishments below: JOIN OUR EFFORTS » EXECUTIVE ORDER TO PROTECT COLORADO'S POLLINATORS 2026 After nearly 8 years of advocacy and partnership working with the Governor's Office towards this Order, Governor Polis signed EO D 2026 019 directing state agencies to take coordinated action to protect Colorado's pollinators, expand habitat, and reduce pesticide impacts. LIMITING TURF IN NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT 2025 PPAN supported HB25-113 to Limit Turf in New Residential Development (new apartment and condominium developments). Nonfunctional turf refers to grass that is not actively used for recreation or other purposes. This bill is the latest in a series of legislative efforts to reduce turf that is not suited to Colorado's arid climate and demands excessive resources to maintain. TRACKING CONNECTED CORRIDORS THROUGH THE POLLINATOR-SAFE PROPERTY PLEDGE Ongoing PPAN's Pollinator-Safe Property Pledge puts thousands of pesticide-free pollinator-safe habitats on the map. Add your property to the map today ! CO NATIVE POLLINATING INSECTS HEALTH STUDY BILL 2022 Championed and helped to pass Colorado’s first Native Pollinating Insects Protection Study bill (SB22-199), which led to the Colorado Native Pollinating Insect Health Study , providing critical data and recommendations for conservation decisions about the protection of our state's native pollinators. PESTICIDE PREEMPTION BILL INTRODUCED 2020 Introduced SB20-189 , Colorado’s first bill to repeal state preemption of pesticide use—authorizing local governments to regulate pesticide use and application. CO-FOUNDED THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COALITION 2019 The CEHC is working to build capacity and support for a coordinated toxics reduction strategy to protect people across Colorado from chemical toxics that are ubiquitous in our air, water, communities, and consumer products. HELPED TO CREATE CO'S FIRST POLLINATOR HIGHWAY 2017-2021 Championed a state resolution designating I-76 as Colorado’s first pollinator highway (2017) and launched the pilot planting project in 2018. Our partnership with CDOT continues with new pollinator plantings along Hwy 119 (2021). IMPROVED THE CO PESTICIDE APPLICATOR'S ACT 2015 Successfully advocated for new rules for Colorado’s Pesticide Applicators’ Act, which governs the Pesticide Advisory Committee, to mandate the inclusion of beekeepers and organic farmers and to create requirements informing the public of actions taken against workers who violate pesticide application rules. PRACTICES TO SUPPORT POLLINATORS BILL 2026 PPAN introduced and stewarded this bill through the 2026 legislative session. HB26-1132 promotes native plant use in balance with wildfire mitigation, climate resilience, noxious weed control, agricultural production, and public safety. This flexible approach will ensure that pollinator habitat improvements are site-appropriate and aligned with the state's land-management goals. SECURED WILIDFE STATUS FOR INVERTEBRATES & RARE PLANTS 2024 Championed the policy recommendation to add invertebrates under the authority of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) department and supported the passing of HB24-1117 . This bill statutorily recognizes invertebrates as wildlife in Colorado and mandates their inclusion of species to be studied and protected. POLLINATOR RESOLUTIONS & PROCLAMATIONS Ongoing We have helped to pass Pollinator Resolutions in multiple CO counties and municipalities, including the City of Boulder, Boulder County, City of Lafayette, City of Longmont, City of Denver, Town of Berthoud, City of Cherry Hills Village, Larimer County, City of Loveland, Town of Carbondale, Town of Basalt, and more. POLLINATOR & HUMAN HEALTH BILL INTRODUCED 2022 Introduced Colorado’s first omnibus Pollinator & Human Health bill (SB22-131), which sought solutions to protect children’s health, preserve pollinator biodiversity and allow communities to make decisions about pesticide use. TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR IPM Ongoing Create training opportunities for government and commercial pesticide applicators. SAFE PARKS, SAFE PLAY - ORGANIC TURF PILOT PROJECTS 2019 - 2025 Beginning in 2019, PPAN with Beyond Pesticides and other partners, has launched organic turf pilot projects in Boulder, Lakewood, Golden, Longmont, and elsewhere to transition conventionally-managed parks to organic and make them safer for people, pollinators, and pets. Read more and access resources here . ESTABLISHED COLORADO POLLINATOR MONTH 2017-2026 Each year we work with the Governor's Office to designate June as Colorado Pollinator Month, bringing awareness and action to our state's smallest wildlife . BUILDING THE COALITION TO REDUCE NEONIC POISONING IN CO 2025-2026 More than 80 farms, apiaries, restaurants, nonprofits, and medical groups have come together to help reduce unnecessary neonic poisoning in our state, while ensuring farmers' ability to use them when needed. The Seed We Need Coalition is growing; Join today! LOCAL CONTROL OF PESTICIDES BILL INTRODUCED 2024 Championed and supported HB24-1178 , to Restore Local Government Authority to Regulate Pesticides. After passing the House Energy & Environment Committee, the bill stalled in the House (despite having the votes) due to industry influence and countless delays. LAUNCHED STATEWIDE HABITAT FUND 2023 Using donations from the Protect Our Pollinators license plate , PPAN launched a statewide Habitat Fund to provide small grants to community organizations, businesses, governments, schools, farms, Indigenous Nations, public housing projects, and others for the creation or expansion of pesticide-free pollinator demonstration gardens. COLORADO POLLINATOR LICENSE PLATE BILL 2021 Championed and helped to pass the new Colorado Pollinator License Plate bill (2021)—sales of which will support vital pollinator conservation and advocacy programs across the state. Promote pollinators everywhere you go—order plates today ! CO-FOUNDED THE CO NATIVE LANDSCAPING COALITION 2020 Co-founded the Colorado Native Landscaping Coalition , working in collaboration with mission-aligned partners to advance policies that will transform landscaping across Colorado. SPEARHEADED CO's FIRST POLLINATOR POLICY 2018 Worked with the Department of Natural Resources to spearhead a new, comprehensive pollinator policy for state lands (2018). CO-FOUNDED THE COLORADO POLLINATOR NETWORK + SUMMIT 2015-26 PPAN initiated the creation of the Colorado Pollinator Network and co-hosts the annual Colorado Pollinator Summit each year.
- People and Pollinators | Making Colorado Pollinator Safe!
Join the People and Pollinators Action Network to help with pollinator protection, community development, environmental policy, sustainable agriculture, and habitat management. 10th Annual Bumble Bee Bash Ticket Sales Are Live! Thank you for supporting our most successful Bash ever - more coming soon! THANK YOU! VIEW OUR RECENT SUCCESSES » PLEDGE to Be Pesticide-Free Sign the Pollinator-Safe Properties Pledge Add your home, business, school, place of worship, community garden, or farm, to a map of safe havens for people, birds, pets, and pollinators. The map provides anonymized research data and inspires neighbors to join you. SIGN THE PLEDGE PROTECT Pollinators License Plate Every plate creates new habitat and grows this movement! Support pollinators everywhere you go by ordering Protect Pollinator specialty plates for your car or motorcycle. Plate donations fund PPAN's statewide Habitat Grants Program. ORDER PLATES PLANT a Habitat Garden Restore biodiversity, feed the bees, and enjoy the flowers! Whether you're 'Coloradoscaping' with all native plants, adding floral forage to your vegetable garden, or planting prairie strips on your farm, every single plant counts! Get involved in habitat gardening today! LEARN MORE RECENT POLLINATOR NEWS: Healthy Schoolyards Initiative Please join PPAN as we launch our Healthy Schoolyards Initiative! Check out our Healthy Schoolyards Initiative Webinar to learn about the glaring hole in Colorado's pesticide safety regulations, why it matters, and what you can do about it. Plus, browse the resources below and et involved! Healthy Schoolyards Initiative Resources Healthy Schoolyards Initiative Webpage Advocacy Action Checklist Regulatory Landscape of Pesticides Join the Coalition! Thank You to Our Speakers! B Colorado Takes Executive Action to Protect Pollinators! Signing of the Executive Order Directing Directing the Protection of Colorado's Pollinators. After nearly 8 years of advocacy and partnership working with the Governor's Office towards this Order, we are thrilled to announce that today, September 16, 2026, Governor Polis signed a new Executive Order, directing Colorado state agencies to take coordinated action to protect and support Colorado's pollinators. PPAN's Executive Director Joyce Kennedy, co-founder Rella Abernathy, a Meet the Pollinators You've Been Swatting Away Webinar When we talk about pollinators, bees and butterflies typically come to mind– but they're far from the whole story. Join PPAN and the Butterfly Pavilion for a closer look at one of nature's most under appreciated pollinators: flies! Across gardens, farms, and wild edges, flies are moving pollen; and in higher elevations, they are some of our most important pollinators. In this webinar, you'll explore the ecology and life history of the order Diptera, their role in pollination Planting Party for Pollinators Hey Neighbor, a 2025 Habitat Fund Grantee, is 5 planting parties in, and the Stratton Meadows neighborhood is starting to transform into an edible, beautiful, and water-wise oasis. On May 30th, 20 volunteers, including Hey Neighbor staff, Stratton Meadows neighbors, Colorado College students, and Fountain Creek Watershed staff spent six hours transforming the front yard of neighbor Joel Adams. Together, they planted 60 shrubs and perennials, including fruit trees, berry bushe Understanding and Protecting Fireflies in Colorado with Dr. Orit Peleg In this webinar with CU Boulder's Dr. Orit Peleg of The Peleg Lab, we dive into the fascinating world of fireflies—their biology, their language of light, the threats putting them at risk, and how to protect them at home and in your community. Business Sponsor Spotlight: The Apiarian Home The Apiarian Home is a beeswax fragrance and apitherapy business based in Fort Collins. Their five fragrances are inspired by the intelligence of a honeybee colony. Each scent is drawn from a role and place within the colony. Like the hive itself, they are designed to collectively support your daily rhythms and rituals. Together, they form a holistic collection to bring the essence of nature into your home. Buy some of Apiarian Home products! A portion of every sale goes dir POLLINATOR GARDENS GALLERY Share your pollinator gardens with us! Take pictures of your gardens and send them to us and we may add them here to share with the world!
- Healthy Schoolyards | People and Pollinators Action Network
Explaining the legislative landscape related to pesticide use on school grounds. HEALTHY SCHOOLYARDS INITIATIVE THE REGULATORY LANDSCAPE OF PESTICIDES Federal Insecticide, Rodenticide, and Fungicide Act At the federal level, the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides is governed by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) which was first enacted in 1947 and has been altered and amended throughout the years (1) . While the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) is the regulatory body primarily in charge of promulgation and enforcement of FIFRA, it does delegate power to state agencies and their respective agricultural and environmental programs as well (2) . Key provisions of FIFRA (2) With some exceptions for animal pharmaceuticals, a “pesticide” under FIFRA refers to “any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest, or intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant.” Pesticides must be registered with the EPA prior to distribution and sale. Those requesting a pesticide registration must prove that using the pesticide according to the proposed use specifications “will not generally cause unreasonable adverse effects on the environment.” Establishes various categories of use for pesticides, including: General use : approved for general use throughout the US Restricted use : approved only for use by a licensed applicator; not available for purchase to the general public Experimental use : allows manufacturers to field test pesticides; required for testing on more than 10 acres of land or more than 1 acre of water, and for all experimental biopesticides State-specific use : allows for use of pesticides for “special local needs” Emergency exemption : allows for unregistered pesticides use for a limited amount of time due to emergency circumstances Additionally mandates specific requirements for labeling, packaging, sale, storage, and disposal of pesticides. What can (and can't) states do under FIFRA? (2) States cannot : Regulate the sale and use of pesticides in a way that permits any sale or use which is prohibited by FIFRA Institute labeling or packaging requirements that add to or are different than the EPA’s requirements Allow things specifically prohibited by FIFRA States can : Institute requirements for sale and distribution within the state Regulate pesticide use within the state beyond that of FIFRA, so long as it does not conflict with use requirements per the pesticide’s registration or label Determine how regulations will be enforced within the state 1. Pace University Elisabeth Haub School of Law. (2012). Research Guides: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA): Overview. Pace Law Library Research Guides; Pace University. https://libraryguides.law.pace.edu/FIFRA 2. United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2019, June 12). Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and Federal Facilities | US EPA. US EPA - Enforcement; United States Environmental Protection Agency. How do states further regulate pesticides for safety in schools? Regulation beyond the provisions put forth by FIFRA are up to the state (so long as they do not conflict with FIFRA). Here are just some of the ways that states have chosen to further regulate pesticide application to improve safety in schools: Requirements dictating that pesticides be applied a minimum distance away from schools. Example: Pesticides may not be applied within 300 yards of schools. Buffer zone requirements Requirements for notification signage with information about applications. Example: A notification sign must be placed at the entrance of the school at the time of application, to be removed 72 hours later. Signage requirements Requirements dictating who needs to be notified of pesticide applications, when, and by what method of contact. Example: Parents must be notified via phone 72 hours prior to any application to school grounds. Notification requirements Requirements about the timing of application and the timing of reentry to the area after the application. Example: Applications must be made outside of school hours. Application area must remain vacant for 24 hours. Timing & reentry requirements Restrictions on the type or category of pesticides based on chemical make up, method of application, or other characteristics. Example: Neonicotinoid pesticides are not to be used on school grounds. Category restrictions Requirements for implementation of Integrated Pest Management control methods in lieu of pesticide use. Example: Schools must create an IPM plan at the start of each school year to be submitted to the county commissioner. Integrated pest management (IPM) requirements Pesticides & schools - regulations by state State Legislation Provisions Alabama Alabama Administrative Code r 80-1-14-.07 (2013) Prohibits aerial applications of pesticides within 400 feet of school grounds Alaska Alaska Administrative Code § 18-90.625 (2007) Requires notification signage be posted 24 hours prior to applications, to remain for 24 hours; Requires universal written notification to parents 24 hours prior to applications; Prohibits children from entering areas treated with pesticides for at least 24 hours (or longer, if the label specifies) Arizona Arizona Revised Statutes § 15-152 (2002) Requires oral notification to students and educators 48 hours prior to applications; Requires universal written, electronic, or telephone notification to parents 48 hours prior to applications Arkansas None None California Healthy Schools Act of 2000, California Educational Code § 48980.3 (2000); California Food & Agricultural Code §12996 (2000); California Business & Professional Code § 8593.2 (2000); California Health & Safety Code § 1596.845 (2000) Prohibits the use of pesticides with conditional, interim, or experimental registrations at schools or childcare facilities (including modifications of active ingredients or uses to existing pesticides) ; Requires applications of methyl bromide to occur 300 feet or more away from school grounds and buildings, to be completed 36 hours prior to the start of all schools within ¼ mile of application; Requires notification signage be posted 24 hours prior to applications, to remain for 72 hours; Requires establishment of a staff registry and requires universal written notification to registrants 72 hours prior to applications Colorado Colorado Pesticide Applicators Act, Colorado Code of Regulations § 1203-2:13 (2015) Requires notification signage be posted at the time of application for applications to public turf, athletic fields, playgrounds, and other “similar recreation or common properties” Connecticut An Act Concerning Notice of Pesticide Applications at Schools and Day Care Centers, Pub. L. No. 99-165 (1999); An Act Concerning Pesticides at Schools and Day Care Facilities, Pub. L. No. 05-252 (2005); Connecticut General Statutes § 10-231a-d (2024) Prohibits applications to K-8th grade school grounds Prohibits applications to 9th-12th grade school grounds during operating hours; Requires establishment of parent and staff registries and requires universal advanced notification to registrants 24 hours prior to applications Delaware None None Florida Florida Statutes § 482.2265 (1989) Requires notification signage to be posted at the time of application to turf and lawns Georgia Georgia Department of Agriculture Pesticide Use and Application Rules r. 40-21-2-.02 (1978); Georgia Compiled Rules & Regulations r. 620-3-.02 (2007); Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 8-7-1 (2024) Prohibits applications when students are present; Prohibits reentry into areas of application for a minimum of 3 hours; Requires pesticides with no re-entry timing requirements on the label to be applied at least 10 feet from student areas; Requires outdoor applications to be made at least 20 feet from student areas; Requires notification signage for applications made to non-residential properties to be posted at the time of application, to be removed “the day after application”; Requires notification signage for indoor applications on public buildings using Restricted Use Pesticides to be posted prior to application, to remain for 24 hours “near building’s entryway or another noticeable place”; signage must include information on how to obtain the pesticide’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS); Requires notification signage to be posted at the primary points of entry to a treated area when a structural application extends 6 feet or further away from the base of a structure Hawaii A Bill for an Act Relating to Environmental Protection, Hawaii Administrative Rules r. 4-66-64.2 (2019) Prohibits the use of Restricted Use Pesticides within 100 feet of school properties during normal school hours Idaho None None Illinois Illinois Compiled Statutes § 225-235 (1977); Illinois Compiled Statutes § 415-65 (1988) Requires notification 48 priors to applications via either an established parent registry or a universal notification made to all parents; Requires notification signage to be posted at the time of applications made to turf or ornamentals, to remain until the following day; Establishes a strict definition of Integrated Pest Management with 7 regulatory provisions; requires the Department of Health to prepare guidelines for Integrated Pest Management for schools which schools can either 1) adopt or 2) decline, with written explanation on why adoption of IPM is not economically feasible for the school Indiana Indiana Pesticide Law, Indiana Administrative Code § 357-1-5 (2017) Requires day cares receiving applications to remain unoccupied for 2 hours after application Requires notification signage to be posted at the time of applications, to remain until the following day; Creates the Pest Control Advisory Board within the Pesticide Review Board; functions to encourage schools to adopt an Integrated Pest Management Policy and provide support Iowa None None Kansas None None Kentucky Kentucky Fertilizer and Pesticide Storage, and Pesticide Use and Application Act of 1996, Kentucky Revised Statutes § 217B et. seq. (1996) Requires notification signage to be posted immediately following applications made to lawns, to remain until the following day; Requires establishment of a parent and staff registry and requires registrants to receive notification 24 hours prior to applications; Requires schools to adopt an Integrated Pest Management policy Louisiana Louisiana Pesticide Law, Louisiana Revised Statutes § 3-VIII-1111, 3-VIII-3384, & 3-VIII-3389 (1983); Louisiana Administrative Code § 7-XXIII-1109 (1983) Prohibits aerial applications within 1000 feet of school grounds during normal school hours (exempts mosquito control applications); Requires schools and school grounds to remain free of students for at least 8 hours after the application of a Restricted Use Pesticide; Requires establishment of a “pesticide sensitive student registry;” for inclusion, parents must submit both a written request and medical proof of sensitivity to the school; Requires the governing authority of a school to submit an Integrated Pest Management plan annually, to include all pest control methods to be employed (including pesticide and non-pesticide methods Maine Maine Pesticides Control Act of 1975, Maine Revised Statutes § 22-258-A et. seq. (1975) Prohibits aerial application within 1000 feet of a school, unless the wind is between 2-10 mph Prohibits indoor applications (exempts those to be made for public health pests, to be determined by the IPM coordinator); Requires application areas to remain empty for 24 hours; Requires notification signage to be posted at least 2 working days prior to applications, to be posted at each point of access to the treated area and in the common area of the school, to remain for at least 48 hours after applications; Requires annual notice to parents and school staff detailing all planned applications; Requires adoption of Integrated Pest Management Maryland Integrated Pest Management Systems in Schools and School Grounds Act, Code of Maryland Regulations § 15-05-02 (1997) Requires universal notification to students, parents, and staff 1 week prior to indoor applications on schools of any level; Requires notification signage to be posted at the time of application, to remain for 28 hours; Requires universal notification to be made 24 hours prior to applications to elementary schools; must include statements warning of the hazards to pregnant women and infants; Requires middle and high schools to make universal notification to students and staff prior to applications; also required for use of bait stations in elementary or secondary schools; Requires middle and high schools to establish a voluntary registry of parents and staff to be notified 24 hours prior to applications; information on joining this registry must be distributed annually; For emergency applications, requires notification to students, parents, and staff to be made within 24 hours of applications; Requires the Maryland Department of Agriculture to develop uniform standards and criteria for the implementation of Integrated Pest Management; once approved by the MDA Secretary, county boards will implement the standards and criteria Massachusetts Massachusetts Pesticide Control Act, Massachusetts Code of Regulations § 13.05(3)h, § 333-13.07(2), § 333-13.10(3)(c) (1978) Prohibits all applications while children are present on school property; Prohibits indoor use of pesticides (with some exemptions); Prohibits aerial crop applications within 150 feet of schools Prohibits outdoor use of pesticides that are known, likely, or probable carcinogens; Prohibits outdoor use of pesticides containing a “List 1” ingredient (inert ingredients of toxicological concern); Requires notification signage for applications made to public buildings to be posted at the time of application at all entrances and areas where applications are made, to remain until “after application” (exempts enclosed bait traps and wood preservatives); Requires notification signage for applications made to turf, public, or private non-residential properties to be posted 48 hours prior to applications, to remain for 72 hours; Requires notification signage for aerial applications made to agricultural property within 500 feet of school property, to be posted 10 hours prior to applications, to remain for 48 hours; For all applications, information on the pesticide used and its application must be made available to anyone who requests it; Schools are required to adopt an Integrated Pest Management plan Michigan Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Michigan Administrative Code r. 285.637.11 & Pub. L. 451 (1994) Prohibits outdoor ornamental and turf applications of liquid spray pesticides within 100 feet of an occupied room, building, or outdoor area during school hours; Requires area of application to remain unoccupied by students for at least 4 hours after liquid spray or aerosol insecticide applications; Requires school district administrator to establish prior notification registry for parents; must provide written information to parents regarding how to be included on registry at the beginning of the school year or when a new student enrolls, or in September for day care centers; notification must be made 24 hours prior to applications via mail or telephone (or other universal message notification system if outside of the school season); For applicators using broadcast, failure, or space applications of Restricted Use Pesticides in or on school buildings, requires notification signage to be posted immediately after applications at the primary point of entry to the building, to remain for 48 hours; For applicators using broadcast, failure, or space applications of Restricted Use Pesticides on turf or ornamentals, requires notification signage to be posted immediately after applications at the primary point of entry to the area, to remain for 24 hours Minnesota Janet B. Johnson Parents’ Right-to-Know Act of 2000, Minnesota Statutes § 121A.30 (2000) Requires universal notification of all expected applications to be made the beginning of the school year to students, parents, and staff; must include a summary of the school policy, a list of pesticides expected to be used, and must state “that long term health effects on children from the application of such pesticides or the class of chemicals to which they belong to may not be fully understood; must also include information on how parents can sign up for a notification registry to be notified “at a reasonable time before application” (exempts emergency applications) Mississippi Mississippi Asthma and Anaphylaxis Child Safety Act § 1-11(j) (2014) Requires each public school district to implement an Integrated Pest Management program (including procedural guidelines for pesticide applications, education of building occupants, and inspection and monitoring of pesticide applications; may limit the frequency, duration, and volume of applications on school grounds) Missouri None None Montana Montana Model School Integrated Pest and Pesticide Safety Program Act, Montana Code Annotated § 80-8-4 et. seq. (1971) Requires notification signage to be posted for applications to any building used for educational or institutional purposes, to be posted at the time of application at the entrance of each building or room, to remain “until the application is dry or the reentry interval has expired;” sign must include information regarding application, including how to obtain a copy of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and label for the product (exempts baits, pastes, and gels) Directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a model Integrated Pest Management program that is encouraged to be adopted by schools Nebraska None None Nevada None None New Hampshire New Hampshire Pesticide Control Board, New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules §506.07 and 508.01 (2022) Prohibits aerial applications while children are commuting to and from school or when there is outdoor activity ; Prohibits aerial applications to sensitive areas, including day care centers, school buildings/property, playgrounds/athletic fields, or any other property of the school “where exposure to pesticides may have an adverse effect on human health, wildlife, and the environment;” buffer zone distance from these sites for aerial applications is subject to the application permit; Requires notification signage to be posted for commercial applications to turf areas at the time of application, to remain for 24 hours New Jersey Pesticide Control Act of 1971, New Jersey Administrative Code § 7:30 (1971); School Integrated Pest Management Act, New Jersey Administrative Code § 7:30 (2002) Prohibits drift of pesticide applications to a non-target site; Prohibits applications to school properties during the regular school hours (with exemptions); after normal school hours, applications can be made in areas where students will not contact treated areas until sufficient time is allowed for the pesticide to dry or settle or to meet label reentry/ventilation requirements; Prohibits aerial applications within 300 feet of school property while people are present; Prohibits applications within 250 feet of school property with equipment operating at greater than 60 psi unless proper notification is given; Prohibits areawide applications within 2 miles of K-8 schools & within 2.5 miles of 9-12 schools, or when students are commuting; Requires notification signage to be posted for indoor applications at the central bulletin board to include contact & timing info, for 60 days after the last treatment ; Requires notification signage to be posted the start of application for applications to grounds, to remain for 72 hours at the main entry points to the area; to include contact information; Requires the applicator or to provide the following information if requested: prior notification of the specific date of application or copy of label of pesticide(s) used; Requires all schools to adopt an Integrated Pest Management policy New Mexico New Mexico Pesticide Control Act, New Mexico Administrative Code § 6.29.1.9.O.6(b) (2009) Prohibits all applications to licensed childcare centers while children are present on the property Prohibits the use of certain pesticides when areas are occupied; requires application areas to be empty for at least 6 hours after application Requires notification signage for emergency applications; Requires schools to establish a parent notification registry; Requires childcare centers to provide universal notification of application to parents and staff 48 hours prior to application; Requires schools to develop procedures for the implementation of pest management with consideration for reducing the possible impact of pesticide use on human health and the environment New York New York Environmental Conservation Law, Consolidated Laws of New York § 33-09 & 33-10 (1972); Uniform Code of Public School Building Inspections, Safety Rating and Monitoring, Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York § 8-155.4 (1999) Requires notification signage to be posted for outdoor applications, to remain for 24 hours Requires notification signage for applications to daycare centers or daycare center grounds to be posted 48 hours prior to applications; Requires schools to provide written notification of all planned applications to parents and staff at the beginning of the school year or within one week of student enrollment; parents and staff may sign up to be placed on a registry to receive notification 48 hours prior to applications Information about all applications must be made available to anyone upon request Requires boards of education to establish comprehensive maintenance plans for public buildings, to include provisions for a “least toxic” approach to Integrated Pest Management and procedures and guidelines to contribute to acceptable indoor air quality North Carolina North Carolina Pesticide Board, North Carolina Administrative Code § 2-9L-.1005 (2020) Prohibits aerial application within 300 feet of schools when occupied Requires schools to establish a parent registry for which registrants will receive 72 hour prior written notification of applications; Requires local boards of education to adopt policies that address the use of pesticides in schools and to include Integrated Pest Management in policies North Dakota None None Ohio Ohio Administrative Code r. 901:5-11-09 (2013) Requires notification signage for applications made to public lawns (including schoolyards), to remain for 24 hours and to include direction for how to get more information on applications; Requires schools to establish parent registry to provide notification of applications “as soon as possible” Oklahoma None None Oregon Oregon State Pesticide Control Act, Oregon Revised Statutes § 633 (1973); Oregon Administrative Code § 340-109-0010 (2003); Oregon School Integrated Pest Management Act, Oregon Revised Statutes § 634.700 - § 634.750 (2012) Prohibits applications for aesthetic/cosmetic purposes or on routine, preventative bases ; Prohibits use of EPA toxic category I and II pesticides; Requires notification signage to be posted 24 hours prior to applications, to remain for 72 hours; Requires schools to establish a parent and staff registry, to receive universal written notification of applications 24 hours in advance; Requires applications to be “low-impact” ; Requires schools to implement Integrated Pest Management practices Pennsylvania Acts 35 & 36 of 2002, Pennsylvania Statutes § 7-772.1 & § 7-772.2 (2002) Prohibits applications while students are present ; Requires application areas to be vacant for 7 hours following application; Requires notification signage to be posted 72 hours prior to applications, to remain for 48 hours; Requires universal notification to parents and school staff 72 hours prior to application; allows for choice between universal notification vs parent registry; Requires schools to implement Integrated Pest Management practices Rhode Island Rhode Island Pesticide Control Act, Rhode Island General Laws § 23-25-37 & § 23-25-38 (1976) Prohibits applications in schools or on school grounds during regular school hours or planned school activities (exempts emergency applications); Requires notification signage to be posted at the time of application for applications made to school grounds, playgrounds, or athletic fields, to remain for 72 hours (school is the party responsible for posting, must include names of pesticides applied); Requires schools to establish a registry of persons requesting prior notification, notification to be made 24 hours prior to applications by any means practicable); Requires the Department of Environmental Management and Health to develop regulation to restrict the use of hazardous pesticides in schools, preschools, and child care centers in the state for promotion of Integrated Pest Management; should address emergency application procedures South Carolina None None South Dakota None None Tennessee None None Texas Texas Structural Pest Control Act, Texas Structural Pest Control Board Regulations § 595.8, § 595.11 (1993) Classifies pesticides by EPA toxicity categories based on precautions and reentry times; Requires specific vacancy windows for respective categories, none of which can be applied indoors while students are present: -Green: some may be used outdoors while students are present, others require a 12 hour vacancy window -Yellow: 12 hour vacancy window -Red: 12 hour vacancy window Requires buffer zones for outdoor applications for respective categories: -Green: 10 feet away during applications -Yellow: 10 feet away for 12 hours after applications -Red: 50 feet away for 12 hours after applications Requires schools to post notification signage at the time of application at least 48 hours prior to applications, to remain through the pesticide’s reentry interval; “Consumer Information Sheet” for applications must be made available to any employee working in the building upon request; Requires schools to inform parents in writing that pesticides are periodically applied indoors and on perimeters, and that parents can sign up for a voluntary registry to be notified of the timing and nature of applications in advance; Requires school districts to adopt Integrated Pest Management policies and to designate an IPM coordinator who will be responsible for taking IPM training courses Utah Sanitation and Safety of Schools, Utah Administrative Code r. 392-200 (1998) Requires public and private schools to have a written Integrated Pest Management plan and to adopt IPM practices and principles; to include a policy statement, implementation and education, pest identification, and monitoring, reporting, and control practices, an approved list of pesticides to be used, procedures for use, applicator requirements, and a policy for notifying parents, students, and staff Vermont Vermont Rule for Control of Pesticides, Code of Vermont Regulations § 20-031-012 (1991) Requires notification signage to be posted at the start of applications to turf and ornamentals on “public non-residential properties,” to be posted in main visitor areas and main employee entrances, to remain for 24 hours; must have information regarding applications available upon request; Requires early childhood program licensing programs to instruct that pesticides be used only when other pest prevention and control methods fail Virginia None None Washington Washington Pesticide Application Act, Revised Codes of Washington § 17.21.415 (1961) Requires notification signage to be posted at the time of applications to school grounds, nursery schools, or day care centers, to remain for 24 hours, to include applicator contact information; Requires prior notification be given to parents and staff 48 hours prior to applications via either universal notification or a registry West Virginia Integrated Pest Management Program in Schools and Day Care Centers/Facilities, West Virginia Code of State rules, § 61-12J et. seq. (2010) Prohibits applications to day care centers and schools while students or employees are present (exempts “applications to a localized area of infestation if the infestation causes an imminent threat of bodily harm”); Requires notification signage to be posted for crack and crevice, spot, broadcast, or space applications to daycares, to be posted 24 hours in advance of applications in the area where parents sign their child in and out; Requires administrators to notify parents or guardians of their right to be informed when level 3 or level 4 pesticides are applied, notification to be given at the beginning of each school year or at the time of enrollment; Requires vacancy windows for certain applications based on deferred levels of toxicity and application methods -Level 3 pesticides: 4 hour vacancy window -Level 4 pesticides: 8 hour vacancy window; Requires automatic 24 hour advanced notification be given to employees and students of day care centers prior to applications of level 3 or level 4 pesticides; Requires schools and daycares to establish Integrated Pest Management plans, to be filed with the Commissioner Wisconsin Wisconsin Administrative Code, § 29.56 et. seq. (1998) Requires notification signage to be posted indoors and outdoors at the time of applications to turf or ornamentals on public or commercial facilities, parks, workplaces, recreational areas, and public lands, to remain for 72 hours; information regarding applications must be available upon request Wyoming Wyoming Environmental Pesticides Control Act, Wyoming Statutes § 35-7-360:364 (2001) Requires notification signage to be posted 12 hours prior to applications, to remain for 72 hours Requires universal notification to parents and staff prior to applications See something we missed? Let us know via the contact form here . HEALTHY SCHOOLYARDS INITIATIVE HOME PAGE
- Take Action Close to Home | PeopleandPollinators
Take Action Close to Home There are many ways to get involved with protecting pollinators and safeguarding community health. However, some of the most powerful actions are ones you can do right at home and in your neighborhood! Sign the Pollinator Pledge Show your commitment to pollinator conservation and view a map of all pledges nationwide Plant Natives & Buy Organic Find resources for growing a pollinator garden & learn why organic foods are so important Become an Advocate Get involved with our Pollinator Safe Communities program and lead the charge in your area Join the More Play Less Spray Campaign Learn more about the effects of pesticides and how you can advocate for healthier spaces Engage Your Local Officials Find out who manages public spaces in your area, get their contact info, and let them know you care about these issues Order Pollinator Plates Register to get Pollinator License Plates to raise awareness for pollinator issues and support on-the-ground habitat creation
- Colorado Native Landscaping Coalition
Colorado Native Landscaping Coalition Colorado Native Landscaping Coalition The Colorado Native Landscaping Coalition (CNLC) is a growing coalition of mission-aligned organizations working in collaboration to advance policies that will transform landscaping across Colorado. Current coalition partners: • Audubon Rockies • Colorado Native Plant Society • Colorado Wildlife Federation • Denver Audubon • People & Pollinators Action Network • Wild Ones - Front Range Chapter Coalition Fact Sheet PDF Coalition Policies PDF Our Goals as a Coalition Promoting landscaping with native plants for healthy ecosystems in Colorado. 1. Local and state governments should promote native landscaping. There are many effective measures available to implement this, ranging from modified development codes, to financial assistance, to education, to demonstration projects. We stand ready to advise in this vitally important process and help Colorado make this transformation. 2. The definition of “xeriscape” should be revised to prioritize the native plant palette. The term xeriscaping should be updated to explicitly recognize the many benefits of native plants. 3. Landscape management practices should build healthy regenerative soils and support biodiverse ecosystems. To achieve natural resilience in Colorado landscapes, we should reduce ornamental turf areas, minimize pesticide use, adjust landscape maintenance practices to benefit wildlife, and boost the percentage of native plants on state, municipal, and privately managed lands. Why Transform Colorado Landscaping? Together We Make an Impact. It’s simple: native plants are essential to regional food webs. The vast majority of native insect species are specialists: they feed only on host plants with which they have co-evolved. The act of feeding pollinates plants, ensuring their survival and enabling the spread of native plant communities. Landscapes planted with non-native species are literally inedible to most of our insects. Why is this important? Insects form the foundation of the majority of bird and many mammal species’ diets. Native plant habitats are vital to preserving biodiversity. To address the critical loss of biodiversity, we begin at home, converting lawns to native gardens. The good news is that municipal, commercial, and residential landscapes of all types and sizes can help reverse the global biodiversity crisis. By creating networks of native plant landscapes, each patch of habitat — no matter how small — can serve as part of a collective effort to maintain resilient ecosystems and sustain living landscapes for pollinators. Native plants are part of the solution to the climate crisis. Native landscapes supported by healthy soils are efficient carbon sinks and require less water, fertilizer and pesticides to maintain, reducing individuals’ carbon footprints. Native landscapes reflect the inherent beauty of Colorado and honor the cultures and land management practices of the indigenous peoples who tended this land for generations. Reforming “Xeriscaping” The “xeriscaping” term, used since 1981, should be updated to explicitly recognize the many benefits of native plants. Although Colorado must continue to promote low-irrigation landscaping, it is time to also recognize the prime importance of landscaping with native plants within that effort. Specific actions 1. Water supply and land use organizations should reform the definition of “xeriscape” to emphasize the dominant use of native plants. 2. Revise literature and programs promoting “xeriscaping” to implement this message. For more information or to receive Coalition updates, email us at CoNativeLC@gmail.com Putting Policies in Place Want to take action and make meaningful change in your community? Consider obtaining and reviewing carefully the Coalition’s Recommended Native Landscaping Policies for Colorado Local Governments and Water Providers: Coalition Policies PDF HOA Policy PDF Questions? Email the CNLC at: CoNativeLC@gmail.com The Coalition offers guidance on municipal programs and materials that promote native landscaping. Sign up to receive updates: Send Thanks for submitting! Coalition Fact Sheet PDF Coalition Policies PDF WEB DESIGN BY:
- Sign the Pledge Wix FORM | PeopleandPollinators
Pollinator Safe Property Pledge Contact Information First Name * Last Name * Business Name (if you are taking the pledge as a business and want your business listed) Email * Contact Phone Address (Please select from the dropdown) Comments or message to coordinators Pollinator Safe Pledge * I am committed to maintaining a pollinator friendly property. I do not use pesticides and I do my best to plant pollinator safe plants. Public Map * May we show your pledge on a public map? * PPAN maintains a public online map of pollinator safe pledgers. Allowing us to show your pledge on our public map shows your neighbors that you are pollinator safe! A red map pin icon will appear in the general area of your property, but your name and actual address will not be revealed. Yes No I am not a robot What is two plus two? Submit to Sign the Pledge Make sure you selected an address from the dropdown. Please check your answers and try again. Thanks for pledging!
- Volunteer Signup Form | PeopleandPollinators
Volunteer Signup Join PPAN's team of volunteers and make a hands-on difference for pollinators. You'll receive targeted notifications about upcoming volunteer opportunities by telling us about your interests. Please fill out the form below. There are many ways to get involved, such as supporting events, planting and maintaining pollinator gardens, advocating for pollinator health, conducting educational outreach, cultivating pollinator habitats, and much more! We also hope you'll opt-in to receive PPAN's monthly e-newsletter, which contains important updates, the latest research, and news of upcoming events! Interested in getting involved? Reach out below:
- Earth Month #forthebees | People and Pollinators Action Network
Let's protect the little creatures that we can't live without during this year's Earth Month! 🌎 🐝 🦋 🐞 Your support #forthebees makes the difference between a silent spring and a buzzing one. THANK YOU! Mother Earth Needs Bees + Pollinators Every Month 🌎 #forthebees ! Pollinator conservation is one thing we can all do something about. Converting even one small garden from grass or hardscape into pesticide-free native and pollinator-friendly plants makes a meaningful impact for these little creatures. We know from a decade+ of successes in Colorado that advocating at the neighborhood, school, city, and county scales creates critical changes that add up to state policies and national precedents. Colorado is becoming a haven for pollinators and the ecosystems they support, thanks to you taking action, whether that's in the garden, at the hive, at your neighborhood park, with your City Council, or at the state Capitol—and PPAN is with you every step of the way. Thank you for making a gift today to keep the movement growing! People & Pollinators Action Network's EIN is #47-2260229. Our mailing address to receive checks is PO Box 355 Niwot, CO 80544. Contact us to discuss planned giving or gifts of stock, crypto, or other assets. 🔒 We protect and will never sell or share your data. You're always in control of your monthly gift and your inbox. Questions? Reach out to Emily KenCairn , Director of Development & Communications.
- Colorado Gives #forthebees | PeopleandPollinators
Let's protect the littlest creatures during this year's Colorado Gives Campaign! ❄️ 🦋 🐞 Your love #forthebees this winter means the difference between a silent spring and a buzzing one. THANK YOU! 🐝 🙏🏼 Thank you for being the beating heart of PPAN #forthebees ! You see it happening—fewer bees in the garden, fewer butterflies on your hikes. The pollinators—as well as birds, bats, frogs, and other wildlife whom we love—are disappearing, and there is no mystery as to why. The indiscriminant overuse of pesticides, habitat loss, and food systems that reduce rather than augment biodiversity are all partly to blame. The good news is: these are all threats that you can—and are— tackling head-on at the state and local levels. Colorado is becoming a haven for pollinators and the ecosystems they support, thanks to you getting involved, whether that's in the garden, at the hive, at your local park or schoolyard, with your City Council, or at the state Capitol—and PPAN is with you every step of the way. You all showed up for pollinators this Colorado Gives Day and helped us not only meet, but exceed—our $50,000 goal to protect the little creatures whose lives sustain all life on earth. THANK YOU!! Year-end fundraising continues through December 31st! We thank you for including People & Pollinators Action Network in your year-end giving. Our goal is to raise another $10,000 by December 31st at midnight to start 2026 off STRONG! People & Pollinators Action Network's EIN is #47-2260229. Our mailing address to receive checks is PO Box 355 Niwot, CO 80544. Please give generously today to protect the pollinators you love. People & Pollinators Action Network's EIN is #47-2260229. Our mailing address to receive checks is PO Box 355 Niwot, CO 80544. 🔒 We protect and will never sell or share your data. You're always in control of your monthly gift and your inbox. Questions? Reach out to Emily KenCairn , Director of Development & Communications .
- Protect our Pollinators Habitat Fund in Colorado | PPAN
PPAN’s Pollinator Habitat small grants program offers financial and educational resources to community organizations, businesses, governments, schools, tribes, public housing, and other institutions to support the development of healthy pollinator habitat. PROTECT OUR POLLINATORS HABITAT FUND More Plates = More Plants = More Pollinators In the program's first 4 years, public pollinator demonstration gardens across Colorado have blossomed thanks to each plate on the road. 96 $165K 65 Projects Funded Acres PPAN’s Pollinator Habitat small grants program offers financial and educational resources to community organizations, businesses, governments, schools, farms, Indigenous Nations, public housing, and other institutions to support the development of healthy pollinator habitat. Through collaboration with pollinator and habitat experts, we provide support to successful applicants. This program is backed by the Colorado Pollinator License Plate Fund and other designated donations. The primary criteria for grants include the use of funds to develop, expand, restore, or protect pollinator habitats, within agreed upon parameters. We prioritize projects that: are located within marginalized communities; maximize community outreach; increase biodiversity; and that have matching funds or existing capacity to implement. Grants range from $500 to $200 0 The grant cycle launches in the late winter with award decisions advised by our collaborative team of experts. Grant recipients will be expected to provide a simple report and project photos at two and three years of implementation and to collaborate with us to tell the project story. Please read on for additional criteria and funding requirements. APPLICATIONS CLOSED GRANT CYCLE 2026 Grant Cycle 2026 grants have been awarded . Please join our email list to be alerted to 2027's application. CRITERIA PREFERENCES: Justice & Equity component – loss of biodiversity disprop o rtionately impacts margi nalized communities Potential to increase local biodiversity Ability to link disrupted ecosystems Maximizes community education, collaboration, and engagement Sufficient funding and capacity to implement/maintain Geographical/regional diversity Substantial/diverse project audience Applications Will Open January 2027 Grants range from $500 to $2,000 Requirements for Funding The project must be located in Colorado The project must have an educational component and have visibility to the community Design must prioritize the use of regionally-adapted western native species (exceptions possible with approval) Site must be prepared and maintained organically (without the use of synthetic herbicides or other chemical pesticides) Site must incorporate PPAN's pollinator habitat sign Grantee must submit expense receipts (all at one time) by the end of the grant's fiscal year Grantee must submit a simple report for years two and three of habitat establishment (no more than one page) Grantee must be willing to share the story of habitat creation and photos (PPAN will have the right to use stories and photos in public communications) PPAN is pleased to have representatives of Audubon Rockies, the Butterfly Pavilion, and CSU Extension serving on the habitat fund review committee. Protect Our Pollinators Habitat Fund Map This interactive map illuminates the vital network of pollinator sanctuaries established by recipients of the fund. Navigating the map is as simple as a click, offering a journey through diverse landscapes where pollinators thrive. Click on any circle to learn about the grantees and their vital contributions to pollinator conservation efforts. Each location reveals not only coordinates, but corresponds to the scale of the pollinator habitat. Join us in celebrating the collaborative efforts to safeguard pollinator habitats and promote connectivity across landscapes! 2025 grantees to be added soon! Thank you to one of our amazing volunteers, Devin Jacobs, for the creation and maintenance of this map. APPLY Since the launch of PPAN's Protect Our Pollinators Habitat Fund in March of 2023, we have supported 96 different organizations in their efforts to create pollinator-safe habitat, awarding over $165,000 in grants. This program has helped establish over 65 acres of organic, pollinator-safe habitat! 2026 Habitat Fund Grantees Adventure Acres City of Thornton FrontLine Farming Growing Gardens Manna Durango Rio Grande Farm Park Scott's Bees STEM Launch K-8 The Kiva Center Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County Colibri Creative Conservation Solutions Foothills Unitarian Here & Now Food Shed Manitou Springs Garden Club Sand Creek Greenway Speedwell Farm & Gardens SustainEd Farms Town of Ophir Children's Farms in Action Crested Butte Botanic Gardens Girl Scout Troop 77808 Jovial Concepts Poudre Global Academy Ruby Hill Neighbors Salvation Army Vail Extension Service Tenderfoot Family and Child Center Upper San Juan Library District Villa Park RNO Green Team Wild Ones Front Range Chapter 2025 Habitat Fund Grantees Boulder Bee Lab CONO Children's Farms in Action Cure Organic Farm City of Fort Collins Parks Department Friends of Coal Creek FrontLine Farming Homeward Alliance Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership Janniebird Farm GES Coalition Jewell Elementary School Manna Durango Rocky Mountain Prep Mancos Conservation District Sand Creek Greenway Montessori Children's House of Denver Simply Bee Conservation Sprout City Farms Thornton DPR Crucible Center for Arts & Wellbeing Town of Ophir Salvation Army Vail Extension Service Vargas Property Services Village Exchange Center Walking Mountains 2024 Habitat Fund Grantees AATPC Denver Park Trust Cactus Valley Elementary School First Universalist Church of Denver Children's Farms in Action Focus Points Family Resource Center Friends of Coal Creek Denver Dream Center Mountain Family Center Plenty Heirloom Farms Gunnison Conservation District Hebrew Educational Alliance Honey Moon Mesa Apiaries Salvation Army Vail Service Extension Harlequin's Gardens Kelly Bull Permaculture Design National Wildlife Federation Project: Elevate Sproutin' Up Unity Church of Fort Collins Simply Bee Conservation Town of Estes Park Stiles African American Heritage Gardens 2023 Habitat Fund Grantees Luceo Images Garden of Oz Frasier Retirement Community KC Volunteers Centaur Village West HOA Eco-Thrift Poudre Global Academy Garden Crew Lakewood United Methodist Church Eldorado Mountain Yoga Ashram CO NPS & Loveland Parks & Rec Suelo Bueno LLC & Pollinator Advocates Sister Carmen Community Center Marisol Health Growing Gardens YMCA of Northern Colorado Ollins Farms Town of Superior Parks & Rec City of Golden Weedbusters The Protect Pollinators Habitat Fund is supported by these generous donors & sponsors, as well as the Protect Pollinators Colorado License Plate: Donna Baker-Breningstall and the Sunny Bug Farmette , and corporate partner, Black Hills Energy . The Sunny Bug Grant honors the life, creativity, and generosity of Donna's daughter, Sunia, who loved plants, pollinators, birds, and nature, and working alongside her mother—a Colorado Master Gardener, teacher, social changemaker, and philanthropist—in their Denver urban farmette. Learn About Sunia & The Sunny Bug Grantees Black Hills Energy is the local utility for many rural Colorado Counties, and reached out to PPAN to support the creation of pollinator habitat in their ratepayer areas.





