By Blake Jackson
Kentucky's roadsides are buzzing with life thanks to a multi-year effort to create pollinator havens. Since 2015, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has planted over 100 pollinator plots, covering 200 acres along highways and roads. These colorful havens filled with native flowers and grasses are a feast for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
This initiative goes beyond aesthetics. Pollinators play a vital role in Kentucky's agriculture, ensuring a healthy and abundant food supply. The diverse plants in these plots attract these creatures, who then transport pollen between flowers, promoting plant reproduction.
Drivers can spot these pollinator havens in various locations, including medians, roadsides along interstates and parkways, and even on highways like U.S. 23 in Eastern Kentucky. Additionally, "Monarch butterfly waystations" with specific flowers have been established at welcome centers and rest areas. This year, the program expanded further, incorporating pollinator habitats into highway construction projects on Interstate 69.
"The beauty of the flowers is a secondary benefit," says Mike Smith, a state administrator overseeing the program. "The real purpose is to ensure the survival of pollinators, which are crucial for many native plants and animals."
Developing these takes time. Crews meticulously remove competing vegetation and then reseed with pollinator-friendly wildflowers. Mowing schedules are adjusted – roadside areas are mowed regularly, while pollinator plots are mowed less frequently to allow the habitat to flourish.
This initiative offers a surprising safety benefit. Studies suggest that diverse roadside vegetation with varying heights can heighten driver alertness, potentially reducing accidents. Additionally, these havens may reduce deer-vehicle collisions by offering less of the fresh grass that attracts deer.
Looking ahead, Kentucky is committed to maintaining these pollinator havens and expanding their reach across the state. This program is a win-win for both the environment and public safety.
Photo Credit: istock-jmichl
Categories: Kentucky, General