Pollinator Habitats Take Root in Cane Creek Park

Three acres of Cane Creek Park in Cookeville have been planted as pollinator habitats, according to the Putnam County Master Gardeners.

Leisure Services Director Rick Woods said the habitat will benefit both area wildlife and the community as a whole.

“I think the pollinator fields are a great use of space within Cane Creek Park that is currently not in use,” Woods said. “I think it’s important for us to help preserve habitats for pollinators because they’re so important.”

Woods said it may take a year or two before the habitats are established enough to make any noticeable difference.

“When that happens, you will see flowering plants and some native grasses there,” Woods said. “You will also see the presence of pollinators, and that would be butterflies, bees, moths, hummingbirds, and other insects.”

According to the TWRA, pollinators such as bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and beetles have been in decline due to habitat loss. The state’s Pollinator Habitat Program aims to help preserve and reduce habitat loss.

Woods said the new pollinator fields will leave a positive impact on the community.

“I hope it provides some education for the community and people realize the importance of pollinators and providing a habitat for them,” Woods said.

The habitats will be located along trails on the north edge of Cane Creek Lake.

Putnam County Master Gardeners, the TWRA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and the Putnam County Soil Conservation District partnered to create the pollination habitat.