Photo of the pond at the penn state arboretum.

Provide Water Sources

Pollinators need sources of water for many purposes, including drinking and reproduction.

Shallow dish with many colorful pebbles and water, perfect for pollinators to drink from.

For certification you will need one or more of the following:

  • Butterfly puddling area
  • Birdbath or shallow water source with rocks for pollinators to sit on
  • Pond
  • Stream
  • Water Garden
  • Spring
Photo of a stone butterfly puddler in the shape of a leaf - just a shallow place for water to collect for pollinators to use.

You may already have a natural water source, such as a pond or stream. If not, you can create one! Adding a water source can be as complex as installing a pond or a water feature, or as simple as placing a small, shallow container of water out in the open. (Remember to change the water 2-3 times per week during warm weather when mosquitoes are breeding!)