Our History

We are a grassroots movement.

We formed in 2018 within the town conservation commission. The two founding members, Evelyn Nathan and Marghi Bean, had the idea of a pollinator-supporting blog for the town of Kingston, NH.

Their very first presentation on pollinators was at the town elections in Kingston with 30 residents agreeing to join the Pollinator Pathways network. Next, they gave presentations on gardening for pollinators, which resulted in reaching out to conservation commissions within Rockingham County, as well as a monthly newsletter with information and advice to support pollinators. These talks were the beginning of our partnership maps, that have now spread to liaisons around New Hampshire.

Soon, Pollinator Pathways NH had formed a core group, developed mission and vision statements, and began to provide educational materials and presentations to garden clubs and other organizations. We organized our first fall native plant seed swap as an additional way to encourage planting natives in gardens. The native plant and seed swap is our signature event each year, and has grown from approximately 20 seed varieties to well over 65 varieties of seeds that are collected, shared, and distributed free of charge. This event also includes stocking 10 local community seed libraries.

Today, Pollinator Pathways NH provides educational information and workshops at dozens of events each year. We also organize garden tours, wildflower walks, pollinator week bio-blitz events, and school education events. We liaison with Southeast Land Trust, NH Wildlife, New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions, native plant nurseries, and public gardens.

In 2025, we formalized our organization as a registered New Hampshire nonprofit, and are excited about the growth in our ability to expand pollinator habitat.

 

The Pollinator Pathways Core Group