The Center for Native Pollinator Conservation is a conservation initiative of the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute focused on protecting native pollinator species across North America . Based at the Saint Louis Zoo, the program works with researchers, land managers and community partners to support the health of pollinator populations and the ecosystems that depend on them.

Native pollinators, including bees, butterflies and other insects, play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting agricultural systems. The center conducts research, habitat restoration and public education programs designed to better understand pollinator populations and address threats such as habitat loss, climate change and pesticide exposure.

Through partnerships across the Midwest and Great Plains, the program promotes conservation strategies that benefit both wildlife and local communities.

TRIBAL PARTNERSHIPS

An important part of the center’s work involves collaboration with Tribal Nations working to restore native plants and strengthen pollinator habitat on Tribal lands and support food sovereignty and food security. This program is called Native Foods Native Peoples Native Pollinators.

The program currently works with several Native communities, including:

• The Ho-Chunk Nation / Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

• The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska

• Otoe-Missouri Tribe of Oklahoma

• Witchita and Affiliated Tribes of Oklahoma

• The Oglala Sioux Tribe

• The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

• Ioway Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska

These collaborations support the planting of native pollinator-friendly plants, including milkweed and prairie flowers, and supplying vegetable and fruit seeds and plants while connecting conservation efforts with Indigenous ecological knowledge and traditional relationships with the land.

CONSERVATION WORK

The Center for Native Pollinator Conservation focuses on several areas of research and environmental action.

Key efforts include:

• Monitoring native pollinator populations through scientific surveys and field research

• Restoring habitat by planting native prairie vegetation that supports bees, butterflies and other pollinators

• Supporting monarch butterfly conservation, particularly through milkweed restoration

• Collaborating with farmers, landowners and Tribal communities to expand pollinator-friendly landscapes

• Educating the public about the importance of pollinators to food systems and ecosystems

These initiatives help address the decline of many pollinator species while strengthening ecological resilience across the region.

Hours of Operation: Varies - operates within Saint Louis Zoo hours (check hours on website)

Spring-Fall
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Summer extended hours often until 7:00 PM

Winter
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Admission & Fees
Free general admission to Saint Louis Zoo
No separate admission for the Center for Native Pollinator Conservation