Project summary

Humane Action Pittsburgh's "HAP Hive" campaign aims to protect pollinators by increasing habitat. We take vacant land/lots and turn it into pollinator havens with native plants, bee hotels, and long term community support.

What are this project's goals? How will you achieve them?

Identify a suitable piece of land and community partners in the neighborhood. Enlist the help of our master gardener, Dr. Katie Cruger, to design and plan the garden. Purchase all supplies including plants that will thrive in the space and feed pollinators throughout the year. Install with the help of HAP and community volunteers.

The garden will serve as habitat for local pollinators and education for humans about the importance of pollinators and also how to transform their own yard into a pollinator habitat.

How will this funding be used?

Purchasing materials such as tools, plants, mulch and topsoil, supporting staff, installing seating and safety lighting.

Who is on your team? What's your track record on similar projects?

Our project lead is HAP director of operations Shannon Dickerson who founded the HAP Hive campaign and has successfully installed 3 pollinator gardens, one a 12,000 square foot green space in what was a gravel lot. That garden was honored with the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence in April of this year. Our master gardener, Dr. Katie Cruger, is not only certified but also owns her own micro-nursery serving the Western PA region by growing the most vital native plants and supporting the community with education about pollinators, invasive species, and our role in the ecosystem. We have worked with community groups, businesses, legislators, and residents to support these projects and get recognition for the vital part they play.

What are the most likely causes and outcomes if this project fails?

Lack of funding would slow progress but there is not failure that would result in catastrophic consequences.

What other funding are you or your project getting?

We have received multiple sponsorships and grants including a government grant to support the 12,000 sq ft garden project last year. Ongoing funding allows us to continue long-term maintenence on those gardens which have already been completed, and to install new ones throughout the region.