Pollination is a critical ecosystem service that helps to maintain the ecological integrity of native plant communities. Native pollinators—bees, butterflies, moths, bats and birds—play a critical role in sustaining ecosystems and provide essential services to American agriculture (estimated at as much as $9 billion annually). Interest in conservation of native pollinators has grown rapidly over the last few years as several species have experienced dramatic population declines.
The Texas Master Naturalist Program received $50,000 in funding to support community projects benefiting the state’s diverse native pollinator populations in 2024.
The funding, awarded by Texas-based grocer H-E-B, is part of the company’s new Pollinators for Texas initiative. Individual Texas Master Naturalist Chapters were eligible to receive up to $3,000 to support large-scale, community-based projects that enhance biodiversity while supporting native pollinators and their habitats.
We are excited to announce the compilation of the 2024-2025 Project Awards Annual Report, highlighting the accomplishments and impact of our 16 inaugural Pollinators for Texas chapter projects. Awarded chapters were able to leverage resources generously provided through the support of H-E-B towards the restoration and creation of pollinator habitat across Texas. Overall impacts in the 24-25 Project Year included 257,876 square feet of area enhanced and 4,391 plants installed through over 5,964 hours of work from 676 volunteers!
Click through the report on the right or view the PDF with the link below.
Have more questions? Email us at TMNPollinatorsforTexas@ag.tamu.edu