How to apply
The Penn State Pollinator Friendly Habitat Certification is available to all Pennsylvania residents.
Step 1: Download the Planning Worksheet
The Master Gardeners have put together a comprehensive planning worksheet complete with flower, tree and shrub species suggestions to help you plan your pollinator habitat.
Step 2: Establish all plants on your property for at least one year.
Even with careful planning, some plants might not do well in your site conditions and may fail in the first year. We know that if they do well for one year they are likely to continue to thrive. Because certified gardens are models for others, we want to make sure that they are well established.
Step 3: Take and label photographs of your habitat
We prefer pictures showing an overview of the gardens that contain the required plants. Please label the required plants shown in your pictures. Visit the Provide Photos page for instructions on how to label photos.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application and pay the $10 processing fee
The online application follows the same format as the planning worksheet. Taking time to complete the planning worksheet in detail will help the application process go smoothly. The processing fee helps to cover the time it takes to review and process your application, and to mail out your certificate.
Step 5: Receive your certificate!
Certified properties will receive a letter along with a frameable certificate verifying that your habitat is pollinator friendly!
Purchase your sign
After your habitat is certified, you will be eligible to purchase the Penn State Master Gardener Pollinator Friendly Habitat sign.
What's the Buzz?
After your habitat is certified, you will also begin to receive What's the Buzz an email newsletter all about pollinators and gardening twice a year.Thank you!
Both the certificate and the sign show your commitment to conserve pollinator habitat and helps support Penn State Master Gardeners continue educating the public about the importance of providing habitat for pollinators.
