About Rochester Pollinators

 

Rochester Pollinators was Founded in 2019 to Save the Monarch Butterfly—It's Now So Much More

 
The work of Rochester Pollinators — from planting gardens and hosting workshops to community outreach and education — helped earn the City of Rochester recognition as 1 of only 8 cities in the nation to receive the National Wildlife Federation Mayors' Monarch Pledge Champion Award.
Rochester Pollinators' Founder, Marilyn Trent, has also been recognized as a Pollinator Steward by the Pollinator Partnership.


Who We Are

Rochester Pollinators is a nonprofit driven by people who believe that restoring native habitats — one garden at a time — can make a real and lasting difference for pollinators, birds, and wildlife.

Our story began in 2019, when founder Marilyn Trent, a local businesswoman and president of Trent Creative, learned that Monarch butterfly populations had declined by nearly 90% over two decades due to habitat loss. She took action, proposing to the City of Rochester that milkweeds and native flowering plants be incorporated into the city's landscaping. The city agreed — and Rochester Pollinators was born.

Since then, our mission has grown to include all native pollinators, birds, and wildlife. Our approach is simple: restore native habitats by planting native plants. It's working. Rochester now has five public gardens with native plantings, a 13-acre park with a restored prairie remnant, and native wildflowers and milkweeds blooming in downtown bump-outs along Main Street.

Our reach extends beyond Rochester, too. We've empowered hundreds of residents across Rochester, Michigan and neighboring communities to grow native plants in their own yards and shared spaces — and we're always looking to help more cities and towns do the same.

Want to connect or have questions? Reach us at pollinators@trentcreative.com — we'd love to hear from you.

What We Do

  • Each year, Rochester Pollinators:

    • Gives away hundreds of milkweed plants and native seedlings at the Downtown Rochester Farmers' Market and other community events
    • Expands native plantings and pollinator gardens throughout the City of Rochester
    • Hosts a variety of presentations and workshops in Rochester and surrounding communities
    • Advocates for conservation and sustainability at city and regional events
    • Manages a free native seed library at Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve
    • Maintains active Facebook and Instagram channels with 1,700+ followers
    • Sends bi-monthly newsletters to 2,800+ subscribers

You can save our pollinators all year round!

How You Can Help

Whether you have an afternoon, a few dollars to spare, or are looking for something special, there are meaningful ways to support our mission.

  • Volunteer — Join us at planting events, workshops, farmers' market giveaways, and more. Volunteer with us →
  • Donate — Your contribution helps fund native plantings, our seed library, and community outreach. Make a donation →
  • Shop — Browse our store for gifts and goods that support native pollinators and wildlife. Every purchase goes directly toward our mission. Visit our shop →

How We Are Funded

The supporting sponsor for Rochester Pollinators is Trent Creative, a design firm that wants to give back to the community.

The Rochester Pollinators supplements the costs by raising funds through native plant sales each spring and fall at the Rochester Farmers Market and selling Rochester Pollinator swag through: 


If you would like to donate, go to Donate. 

We are a volunteer-based organization with over 145 passionate pollinator enthusiasts helping us fulfill our mission every day.

 

    Our Mission

    Rochester Pollinators' mission is to provide education and resources to preserve the Monarch butterfly and pollinator population. We believe every citizen can help local pollinators flourish by reintroducing Michigan native plants into local landscapes — including home gardens, businesses, and municipal spaces. We aim to reach as many people as possible with this message.

    Our Board of Directors

    • Amber Quesenberry, Vice Chair
    • Michelle BerryLane, Secretary
    • Sarah Helferich, Treasurer
    • Laurie Simon, At Large
    • Erica Schroeder, At Large
    • Marilyn Trent, At Large

    Why Our Planet's Health Depends Upon Saving Our Pollinators