Native bee populations are facing a sharp decline due to climate change, habitat destruction, disease, and pesticide exposure. Neonicotinoids, a specific class of pesticides, are especially harmful to bees and contribute significantly to bee mortality. Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency does not regulate neonic-coated seeds, further endangering bees.
There is positive momentum, however. States nationwide are moving to ban neonics. Environment Massachusetts campaigners are canvassing in Acton and other areas to inform people about the risks to bees and encourage them to support a state-wide ban on these pesticides.
“The bees we see buzzing around are nature’s most powerful pollinators,” said Natalie Plevinsky, The Fund Canvass Director, in a press release. “And yet, seeds are still treated with neonics when bee-friendly alternatives exist. That’s why we’re knocking on doors to build support for that to change.”
Although eleven states, including Massachusetts, have restricted neonics for common consumer use, these rules don’t cover seeds treated with the pesticide.
Two states, New York and Vermont, along with Quebec in Canada, have enacted legislation that bans neonic-treated seeds, allowing some limited exceptions.
“Bees are foundational to entire ecosystems, pollinating the plants necessary for flourishing forests and diverse animal kingdoms” said Reese Butcher, Environment Massachusetts Associate, in the release. “To risk losing bees is to risk losing nature.”
Environment Massachusetts is committed to promoting clean air, water, energy, wildlife, and climate sustainability. The campaign team will continue their outreach in Acton throughout November.
To gauge the public support they are likely to get while knocking on doors in Acton, I contacted Lauren West, Environmental Analyst for the Town of Acton; Patrick Hearn, a local farmer and former member of the Town of Acton Agricultural Commission; and Nancy Young, a science teacher at Acton Boxborough Regional High School (ABRHS).
Pollinator gardens and bee watering stations at the “Red House”
West told me about the “Red House,” a Town building located at 468 Main St., next to Town Hall.
She explained, “The Town of Acton, in collaboration with the Acton Water District, received a grant from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to complete landscaping upgrades to transform this seemingly private property into a welcoming, wildlife-certified, educational space. The property will function as a pocket park and serve as a location for outreach, education, and public engagement on climate resilience.”
West said, “One of the primary goals of this project is to use this property as an example of what Acton community members can create in their own backyards. So far, we have completed landscaping work to remove invasive species and plant lots of natives to promote biodiversity. We have also installed a rain garden and rain barrel to show examples of sustainable water management. Eventually, we will add informational panels to explain how visitors can recreate the various elements of the space at their own homes.”
She added, “The Red House is located on approximately one acre of land, with about one third of that acre making up a neglected meadow. Through this project, we have removed many invasive plants in the meadow and across the property to make room for native species that offer food and shelter for wildlife while creating a more biodiverse ecosystem. Supporting biodiversity in Acton ensures that our local ecosystems are healthy and can withstand future severe weather events and changes in climate. We recently became a Certified Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation. Anyone can get their property certified by proving an area has food, water, cover, and places to raise young.”
West continued, “We are adding small bird and bee watering stations to ensure these local species have everything they need to thrive at the Red House. Bees are fantastic pollinators. They allow plants to reproduce, aiding in the growth of fruits and other plants for local wildlife and even us humans to enjoy! Without this crucial species, all of our work to add a variety of native species would suffer. Through this project, we created multiple pollinator gardens with plants for bees to enjoy such as bee balm, milkweed, and aster. We plan to purchase more wildflower seeds to spread across the property next year. The property is already buzzing with visitors, and we are excited to see the new growth to the gardens next spring.”
The Town’s Environmental Analyst concluded, “In addition to planting bee friendly species and ensuring shelter and water is available on site, we will be using this upgraded space as an education hub for people of all ages to learn about nature-based solutions for climate impacts.Ian Bergemann, the Town’s Community Conservation Specialist, has already led multiple volunteer groups at the space, encouraging volunteers to get their hands dirty planting and pulling while teaching them about how different species can impact animals and insects. He showed a group of local high school volunteers how to build bug snugs on the property. These little homes will provide shelter for bees and other pollinators as the temperatures drop. In the future, we hope to do more hands-on activities at the Red House to educate the community on the ecosystem services bees provide and how we can keep them healthy. We are even looking into adding touch-and-feel bug exhibits to allow kids to get up close with these essential critters and learn about how they work!”
Farmland and farming contributions as part of community ecosystems
Hearn was really busy with end-of-season farm chores, but he shared an extract from the Acton Comprehensive Agricultural Plan, which is in the final stages of review. He extracted the section on Farmland and Farming Contributions, which addresses “Support of Biodiversity, Wildlife, Pollinators, and Other Sustaining Farming Practices.”
The section says, “Planting for pollinator reproduction and food support is becoming common in farmland interior zones as well as perimeters to insure ample quantities of all season support for a wide variety of pollinators.”
It also says that companion planting, crop rotation, and the use of cover crops are time-tested agricultural practices that offer numerous benefits. These techniques enhance biodiversity and promote a more resilient soil food web, enabling it to thrive under varying conditions. They also help maintain a balanced predator-prey dynamic.
Windbreaks and hedgerows have been proven effective in shielding crops from the damaging effects of strong, dehydrating winds. Strategically planting tall trees along the northern edges of farm properties, paired with shorter hedgerows and fruit-bearing shrubs on the southern boundaries, allows for a blend of forest species—essential for insect, bird, and wildlife biodiversity—while preserving optimal sunlight for crops. Thoughtful farm landscaping with a long-term perspective can support local forests and contribute to the enduring beauty of rural areas.
Buffer plantings around farm perimeters offer additional benefits such as privacy and protection from spray drift. Interestingly, spray drift often moves in both directions, from farms to neighboring residential areas and vice versa.
Modern farms are also adopting innovative technologies, such as rooftop solar panels for on-site energy production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. While electric tractors remain expensive, they are gradually becoming available, and battery-powered hand tools already offer a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative.
In essence, contemporary farming increasingly aligns with natural processes, working in harmony with the environment rather than against it.
Hearn also provided a preliminary plan for new ecosystem plantings at the Natural Partners Organic Farm, which is based in Acton.
This plan was developed largely by farm intern Rita Narbonne, a recent AB Graduate and University of Vermont Environmental Science student majoring in Forestry. Narbonne used resources such as The Xerces Society, Natural Resources Conservation Services pamphlets, and The Wild Seed Project. Hearn says, “Its primary aim is to enhance support for pollinators and other beneficial insects, while also creating a privacy and spray barrier between neighboring lots. Additionally, the plan seeks to increase the farm’s natural beauty by prioritizing native plants and the valuable ecosystem services they provide.”
Although the farm currently has sufficient pollinators, this initiative is a proactive step to ensure long-term success amid global environmental decline. The more immediate concern is establishing effective spray barriers and privacy, which has been combined with this effort to enhance protection while supporting pollinators into the future.
The plan will add 70 additional species of trees, shrubs, and ground cover preserving existing plant life on and around the farm by avoiding species that could outcompete or negatively interact with native plants. Its implementation is expected to take several years due to the preparation of planting beds and the time needed to source and grow the required plants. Many of the species will replicate and spread to create literally thousands of individual plants in its mature stage.
The ABRHS Pollinator Garden Project
Young told me, “The ABRHS Pollinator Garden Project started in April 2024. More than a dozen students in my AP Environmental Science class helped create this project for a Service Learning Project in the course.”
The pollinator garden is located in the southwest corner of campus, just outside the science wing. This area provides access to water, is less frequented by students, and is popular with neighbors who often walk along the nearby path and have expressed excitement about the project.
During May and June 2024, Young’s AP Environmental Science students worked on clearing the site of vegetation and weeds as part of their College Board WE Service project. They tilled the soil and developed a planting guide featuring native species recommended by Dr. Robert Gegear to support endangered bumblebees and other pollinators.
After clearing the area, the students used plastic sheeting to solarize the soil over the summer, a method that heats the ground and deprives vegetation of water, effectively preparing it for fall planting.
In early October, over 300 plants arrived on a rainy morning, but the rain quickly subsided, allowing students to plant about 60% of them by midday. A small but dedicated team completed the planting over several days, covering the garden with heat-treated mulch and creating a wood chip path using donated materials from a local tree company.
The garden was watered regularly through mid-November and benefited from support provided by a community service grant from Realize the Dream. Funding for the plants was provided by Dr. Robert Gegear, a UMASS Dartmouth professor and founder of The Beecology Project. Freddie Gillespie of Native Biodiversity Through Pollination offered invaluable guidance, while Jasmine Callahan of Dragonfly Natives Nursery supplied the plants and assisted with the garden layout. Jack Paaki, owner of Prestigious Tree Company, generously donated the wood chips for the garden path.
Young added, “The garden will serve as a future study site for students participating in the ‘Beecology’ citizen science project.”
Been there, done that, got the T-shirt
In other words, the campaign staff of Environment Massachusetts is knocking on the right doors. Acton residents understand the importance of bees and are already working to save them.
Greg Jarboe is the Acton Exchange’s Council on Aging beat reporter and writes on many other topics as well.