Clean & Green Pomona is committed to re-establishing small-patch habitats for Arthropod species, including moths, butterflies, ants, bees, spiders, flies and other insects within a heavily urban matrix. As foundations of natural ecosystems, Arthropods have the potential to attract many other species, and these habitats have the opportunity to re-introduce small bits of nature into urban environments.
In 2024, we partnered with the Green City Studio in the Department of Landscape Architecture at Cal Poly Pomona University, to identify key indicator species, study the potential for cultivating small-patch habitat in the Pomona Valley, and propose a program for certifying public and private landscapes as “Arthropod-Friendly,” with the aim of promoting awareness of the importance of these species to our environmental health.
What Makes a Garden Arthropod-Friendly?
An Arthropod-Friendly garden focuses on 1) plants that provide food and shelter, 2) habitat elements that provide protection and support reproduction, and 3) maintenance practices that preserve conditions that allow Arthropods to thrive.
Food and Shelter
Trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants provide essential food, water and shelter for Arthropods. Clean & Green Pomona targets species that attract desirable native Arthropods, as opposed to those considered pests in our environment, such as mosquitos. While not exclusive, the focus is on plants that are native to our region.
Habitat Elements
Habitat elements that support ground-dwelling species, decomposers, spiders and other beneficial Arthropods provide important supplemental habitat to complement native plants. Many of these elements can easily be constructed and installed, while others are commercially-available.
Maintenance Practices
Maintenance that supports healthy Arthropod habitat often involved “doing less” rather investing in time-intensive activities.
Arthropods that Matter
We focus on supporting moths, butterflies, ants, bees, spiders, flies, beetles and other insects that are native to the historic plant assemblages of the Pomona Valley, sage scrub, chapparal, foothill/woodland, and riparian. Our approach discourages invasive species, such as mosquitoes, that people find undesirable.
Clean & Green Pomona’s Arthropod-Friendly Garden Certification Program for the Pomona Valley
Think your garden has what it takes to be designated as Arthropod-Friendly? Clean & Green Pomona will soon launch its Arthropod-Friendly Garden Certification program for the Pomona Valley. Certification is its own reward, knowing you are doing your part to lay the foundation of a healthy urban ecosystem in the Pomona Valley, but you’ll also receive a garden sign to proudly announce your accomplishment.
Got questions? Email us at cleangreenpomona@gmail.com. Or apply now at the link below!
Coming soon! Profiles of some our certified gardens.
