Photo submitted to Times Observer Pollinator habitat in the interchange at Route 6 and National Forge Road outside of Youngsville is being allowed to grow by PennDOT in order to help sustain pollinator species.

PennDOT and Warren County are thinking about bees, butterflies, and beetles.

The department, through the Warren Maintenance Office, has started a program to support natural wildflowers and provide habitat for local pollinators.

“A revised mowing procedure has been instituted in according with the department’s statewide Pollinator Habitat Plan, which was developed with four goals in mind – plant, protect, partner, and promote,” according to a release from District Press Officer Jill Harry. “The plan supports efforts to establish, maintain, and increase areas with seasonal native wildflowers and plants that help sustain the state’s pollinator species.”

“By changing our mowing patterns at the interchanges along Route 6, we can allow the areas to become habitats that support our natural pollinator populations,” Warren County Maintenance Manager Adam Elms said. “These spots were chosen because they offer the highest chance of success based on the plants already growing there.”

The updated mowing schedule calls for identified areas not to be mowed for the majority of the year, according to Harry. “This will allow for a longer life cycle for the wildflowers and other native plants that naturally grow there.”

The areas chosen include the Route 6 interchanges with National Forge Road outside of Youngsville and with Main Avenue in the City of Warren and Pleasant Township.

Groups that are interested in working with pollinators are welcome to contact PennDOT.

“Along with allowances for alternate mowing schedules, PennDOT’s Pollinator Habitat Plan also provides opportunities for clubs and other conservation-minded organizations to adopt, plant, maintain habitats on state-owned land and right-of-ways,” Harry said.

“Over the past two years, PennDOT District 1 has taken a more active role in finding groups to create and cultivate pollinator areas,” said PennDOT Roadside Specialist Cheryl Wimer. “This includes a garden space in downtown Corry as well as a larger area along Interstate 90 in Erie County.”

“The adoption program is open to groups of any sort, including clubs, schools, churches, businesses, and families,” Harry said. “It requires at least a two-year commitment to plant and maintain the designated area. PennDOT offers gloves, safety vests, and garbage bags to groups as needed. Other assistance is given on a case-by-case basis.”

Wimer can be reached at cwimer@pa.gov or by calling 814-678-7042.