Habitat assessment by Andros@whittierchristian.org

Assessment results

Answer given	Our advice
Are there areas with sandy loamy soil?: No	Consider increasing the amount of sandy loamy soil. Ground nesting bees often prefer sandy loamy soil as it is easier to dig and drains well. Sandy loam is made up of 10-50% silt or organic matter, 50-75% sand, and less than 20% clay. So if you have 15% sand in your existing soil, you will need to add enough sand to make it at least 50%. If you have 30% clay, you will need to add enough of the sand or compost to bring that percentage down to less than 20%.
Do you have native bunchgrasses?: None.	Increase the amount of bunch grass in your yard. Many bees nest and overwinter at the base of these grasses.
Is your nest block near a landmark like a rock?: No	Move your nest block if it isn’t getting much use. Bees are more likely to find a nest block if there is a visual clue.
What is the main type of vegetation in the area you are evaluating (park, garden, yard, farm...)?: Mostly non-native plants including vegetables	Shift some of your non-native plants to natives.
How much of the whole yard, park, farm or green space is garden space or wild/natural vegetation?: A lot. More than 40%.	You are doing a great job managing for pollinators!
Are the flowering plants that you have pollinator friendly?: A lot (51-75%)	Considering adding more pollinator friendly plants.
Is there fresh, clean water always available with a perch that bees could stand on and drink?: No	Consider adding a water element. This can be as simple as a bowl with some rocks thrown in for bees to stand on while drinking.
Does the garden use herbicides?: Yes.	Consider reducing your herbicide use and be sure it is an herbice that is not toxic to pollinators.
How many different pollinator counts will your contribute this year?: Five or more.	We'd love to see pollinator counts from any of the plants in your garden as many times as you can contribute. Thanks!

Score: 164 (out of a possible 210)

This site is a school vegetable garden with fruit trees and perennials to attract wildlife. We are trying to go chemical free, but there are times the landscaper sprays Roundup around the garden area, we are working on that.

Which garden or space are you describing?:

Whittier Christian School

How large is your yard?:

6 000.00

square yards

Are there areas with bare ground and very few plants?:

Yes

Are there low traffic areas where the soil is not turned over, tilled or plowed?:

Yes

Are there areas dead wood, brush piles or snags present?:

Yes

Are there areas with pithy twigs (elderberry, cane fruit, sumac, etc…)?:

Yes

Are there bee nesting blocks?:

Yes

Does your nest block have less than 20 holes?:

Yes

Did you clean or replace your nest block in the last two years?:

Yes

How much of the garden is planted with flowering annual or perennial plants (including shrubs, vegetables and trees)?:

Most (more than 75%)

How many flowers in your garden bloom in spring?:

10 or more

How many flowers in your garden bloom in fall?:

10 or more

How many flowers in your garden bloom in summer?:

10 or more

Are flowers planted in clumps?:

Yes.

How much mulch is on the ground?:

Some.

Are pesticides used in the garden?: