04/14/2025
The following article is Ava Brandon's summary of a Bee Campus USA Zoom lecture entitled "Expanding Pollinator Habitat with the Help of Senior Residents at Assisted Living Facilities."
By Ava Brandon
In a heartwarming effort to support both nature and community, two assisted living facilities took a step toward expanding pollinator habitats in their own backyards. With the creation of pollinator-friendly gardens, residents are not only reconnecting with nature, but also, playing a crucial role in addressing the alarming decline of insect populations worldwide.
Inspired by Research: A Call to Action
This initiative was inspired by a Zoom lecture titled, “Expanding Pollinator Habitat with the Help of Senior Residents at Assisted Living Facilities”, led by Hannah Gurholt, a Ph.D. student at Cornell University. Gurholt’s research highlights the critical role that senior residents can play in conservation efforts while also benefiting from the therapeutic aspects of gardening. Over the last decade, global insect populations have declined by more than 40%, with pollinators like bees, butterflies, and beetles facing the greatest threats. Habitat fragmentation caused by urban development, artificial light pollution, and air contamination have all contributed to the drastic reduction in their numbers. Without these essential pollinators, food production, plant diversity, and entire ecosystems are at risk.
Seniors Cultivating Change
Recognizing this urgent need, residents at these two nursing homes have embraced the opportunity to foster pollinator-friendly environments. Their gardens are filled with native flowers, milkweed for monarchs, and nectar-rich plants that provide essential food and shelter for pollinators. The initiative strengthens local biodiversity and offers seniors the therapeutic benefits of gardening, such as: improving mental well-being, reducing stress, and encouraging social engagement.
Combating Environmental Stressors
To make these gardens as effective as possible, the facilities have taken measures to address environmental stressors. By planting shade trees and green walls, they are reducing the urban heat island effect. Low-impact outdoor lighting helps minimize disruption to nocturnal pollinators, while strategic plant placement helps filter pollutants from the air. These efforts create a sanctuary for pollinators and a tranquil retreat for residents.
Hannah Gurholt’s research underscores how small, local actions can lead to big environmental change. This project is a testament to the power of intergenerational stewardship reminding us that by working together, we can restore balance to our ecosystems, one garden at a time.