Lost and Found - Chicago Botanic Garden Residency

Protecting Pollinators

I had the privilege of being a part of the summer 2024 Lost and Found initiative at the Chicago Botanic Gardens.

What was Lost and Found?

Lost & Found invited guests to explore plant conservation success stories by way of adventures throughout the Chicago Botanic Garden. Guests headed out on experiential trails that blended art with science and connected them to nature in novel ways. Guests discovered new interpretive programs that offered hands-on interactions with themed artwork that helped them explore the Garden's conservation science research. I had the pleasure of working with scientists Paul CaraDonna, Nick Dorian, and Rebecca Barak. Paul and Nick are focused on protecting pollinators and Rebeccas is focused on lawn alternatives (a key part of protecting pollinators). I took their research and developed a workshop - which I presented monthly - that helped introduce guests to the myriad things they could do in their yards and communities to create a supportive environment for pollinators. And, of course, we embroidered! In my world nothing helps us connect to learning faster than spending time stitching about it.

Some Resource For You

Want to learn more about the research? Here are some great resources for you:

• Watch Paul’s TEDx talk - We’re Saving the Wrong Bees (you will be glad you did!)

• Here is a short documentary about my new obsession - the rusty patched bumblebee

• A field guide to wild bees

• Who are the pollinators?

• Native Pollinator Gardens Basics for the Chicago Region

• Native Plants for Pollinators: Great Lakes Region

• The Right Way to Leave Stems for Pollinators

I created a pattern that featured three midwest pollinators and a selection of native plants that will bloom sequentially from early spring to late fall. I thought you might enjoy it so I’m sharing it here. You can download it and make your own!

I also made a coloring page featuring the rusty-patched bumble bee and the native plants that it enjoys most. You can download that and enjoy some coloring time.