Birds & Bees Planting Program

May 21, 2026

Photo Credit: Randy Schwitzer

For the past couple of months, the GARNA birding club has been working to develop a program to encourage the planting of bird- and pollinator-friendly trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses.

One of the key components of the program is the Bird- and Pollinator-Friendly Plant List (click to download), which will be shared with area construction, landscaping and property management businesses, as well as local governmental entities. The plant list is not a cut-and-paste of existing lists of bird- and pollinator-friendly species, it’s been developed by local gardening experts to ensure that the plant species are suitable for our climate. To a large extent the plants on the list are deer-resistant. While many of the plants are available locally, others may have to be ordered through online resources.

How can GARNA Birding Club members get involved?

We need your support. First things first, consider the plant list when purchasing trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses for your yard or garden this spring. If you’re hiring a landscaper to do the work — or if you know someone who is — share the plant list with them and let them know that planting bird- and pollinator-friendly plants is a good thing for our environment.

And second, if you know someone associated with a building, landscaping or property management business, contact them and tell them about the program.

Special thanks to GARNA Birding Club members

Hattie Braun developed the plant list. Hattie moved to Salida in 2024 after gardening in Flagstaff, Arizona for 30 years. She recently retired as the Director for Coconino County Cooperative Extension and specialized in teaching high-elevation gardening classes for the Colorado Plateau. She has taught extensively on the topics of gardening with native plants, pollinator gardens, invasive plants, fruit trees, low water perennials, edible landscaping, and vegetable gardening. Hattie and her husband Tom Kolb are active members of the GARNA Birding Club and have led several bird walks for us.

The program was initially recommended by club members Karen Dils and Sally Waterhouse, both of whom are passionate about birds and vocal on conservation matters.

Thanks, Hattie, Karen and Sally – and thanks in advance to GARNA Birding Club members for your support of the Birds and Bees Planting Program. We welcome your questions and your feedback on making this initiative a sustainable win for birds and pollinators in our region. Bird- and Pollinator-Friendly Plant List

(Featured Photo by Diane Falconer)

GARNA works with communities of the upper Arkansas River valley to foster the stewardship of the region’s natural environment and the resilience of our communities.