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Bees and other pollinators are crucial to the pollination of 80 percent of vegetables and fruits; however, in recent years, they have been dying at alarming rates. The reasons for this are multiple, but lack of food has been identified as a primary threat to their survival. Prior to World War II, hive loss averaged nine percent, and this loss has grown annually. Based on the National Honey Bee Survey from the Bee Informed Partnership, the average national hive loss from April 2012 to April 2013 was approximately 50 percent, and the harsh winter of 2013-2014 was particularly devastating in Ohio, with hive loss escalating from an estimated 65 to 90 percent.

Our 2016 Resolution

ODOT’s New Year’s Resolution: Saving Ohio’s Pollinators

Has it been only two seasons since ODOT District 9 planted the habitat sites along S.R. 207 in Ross County? See what came up last spring! How amazing it was to see the thriving bees, butterflies, and birds in an area that was only recently lawn. But today, all is asleep and ODOT is preparing, just as you may be, for the New Year. And ODOT has lots of projects in the works for 2016!

Click here for an update about our Bee Pollinator Program...

Project Background

In the fall of 2013, ODOT District 9 initiated the Bee Pollinator Habitat Project, which is serving to convert state-owned right of way to pollinator habitat. The project was first introduced by Dianne Kahal-Berman, a transportation engineer in District 9's Planning and Engineering Department, who initiated the "4Bs" - birds, butterflies, bees and beauty - as part of the Ohio Certified Public Manager program, which included individuals from other state agencies who were charged with developing a project that would effect some type of positive change.

As part of the project, ODOT is planting native prairie plant species to restore the habitat and provide food specific for pollinators. In the spring of 2014, maintenance staff prepped and planted two, one-acre plots along the state Route 207 corridor in Ross County. And in addition to ODOT, the OCPM team created a partnership with the Deer Creek Chapter of Pheasants Forever to assist in establishing these habitats.

By converting grassy roadside borders to habitat, ODOT is working to save Ohio’s pollinators. To learn more about the program in District 9 click on the links below, or contact the district public information office.