LEXINGTON, Ky. – What started out as several species of plants along 20 Kentucky exit ramps and roadways in 2015 has now blossomed across most major roadways in the state. While drivers in the Bluegrass State are used to seeing newly trimmed grass extending from the roadway edge to the border of state-maintained property they’re now finding a new look on rural interstates, parkways and exit ramps. Plots of Kentucky wildflowers like milkweed, coneflower, goldenrod and others create a sea of color all season long.

They’re called Pollinator Habitat Zones. The wildflowers will be concentrated along a 15-foot strip adjacent to the shoulder. Less frequent mowing will encourage the growth of pollinator habitat and foster the growth of native plants, including colorful wildflowers. Although the vegetation will be a little taller in some areas, this will not impact driver visibility or safety.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) currently manages 100 of these Pollinator Habitat Zones, which blanket approximately 200 acres across the state with mostly native plants, flowers and grasses. These showy areas do more than provide beauty for passing commuters, they also provide declining pollinator populations with much-needed nutrients and habitat.

“Pollinators are really critical for many agricultural crops and honey production in our state,” said Mike Smith, roadside environment state administrator for KYTC. “Their survival is also essential to the survival of many native plants, birds and animals.”

Most plants could not reproduce without the help of pollinators. Pollinators move pollen from one flower to another, which results in production of seeds and fruit. Pollinators help pollinate at least 180,000 plant species and more than 1,200 crops in Kentucky. While estimates vary, the market value of corps pollinated by insects is around $30 billion each year.

KYTC’s Pollinator Habitat Zone program aims to provide natural nutrients for all pollinators, including various insects, bees and butterflies, and especially for the monarch butterfly, a species threatened with extinction. The host plant for monarchs is milkweed, which KYTC additionally plants at welcome centers, rest areas and other sites. Other key pollinators include bees, moths, bats, birds, ants, flies and beetles. Each plot contains 10 to 30 species to provide diverse nutritional offerings for an array of pollinators.

KYTC collaborated with several experts on this project, including Roundstone Native Seed Co., University of Kentucky, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Monarch Watch and Kentucky garden clubs.

According to the USDA, more than 80 percent of the world’s flowering plants need a pollinator to reproduce. This creates a distinct connection between pollinators and our food, as much of what we eat comes from flowering crops.

“I’m really pleased with the commitment that the Transportation Cabinet has made toward this effort, and I think it beautifies the Commonwealth, although that is a secondary benefit,” said Tammy Potter, Kentucky State apiarist. “The primary benefit is that it provides more nutrition to our pollinators.”

Potter worked in tandem with KYTC in 2015 to launch this initiative. The first blooms began to show in 2016.

“To me, it’s just a marvelous improvement because otherwise, we’re devoting taxpayer funds to do nothing but mow,” Potter said. “With these public rights-of-way, we’re talking about a lot of acreage that could be put toward beneficial purposes, especially given that our insects are in decline.”

Potter said that shortages of natural nutrients, specifically nectar and pollen, have contributed to declining pollinator populations.

“There is serious concern among beekeepers that there isn’t enough natural nectar and pollen provided by flowers to meet a colony’s needs,” she said.

Fifty-five pollinator plots were completed in the fall of 2021. There were 125 new plots added this past spring. To date, there are 230 acres of pollinator plots along Kentucky roadways. KYTC aims to grow total pollinator habitat acreage by 50 percent each year.

Farmers across Kentucky are also aware of the importance of pollinator habitats.

Larry Burton, of Adair County, has developed a field border that is a thriving habitat for pollinators and adds beauty to his farm. Through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, he has implemented field borders.

Bobby Northington from Ballard County has enhanced pollinator habitat on his 210-acre farm. He enrolled 48 acres in the CREP and installed filter strips and field borders. The entire 48 acres is established in native warm season grasses and forbs.

Jay Langston, of Ohio County, enrolled 40.5 acres of his land into continuous CREP to attract more wildlife, in particular the northern bobwhite quail. The field border he installed nearly three years ago is now fully established with native grasses, purple coneflower, Illinois bundleflower, partridge pea and blackeyed susan.