The Pollinator Port Project

Creating Habitats for At-Risk Native Bees


The Pollinator Port Project, brought to you by The Hort in partnership with Rutgers University and NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), is dedicated to creating habitats for at-risk bee populations throughout New York City by establishing safe and supportive environments for bees in public spaces.  

Native bees face many of the same challenges as people do living in a big city. Bees need green spaces and natural materials to find food and nest their young, but real estate is very limited. Urban bees have fewer habitats and often have to travel long distances between green spaces for food and shelter. This lack of habitat has put our native bee species at risk of becoming endangered. 


We need the bees as much as they need our help! These bees play a crucial role in our ecosystem as pollinators. Without bees and pollinators, we risk losing biodiversity necessary for plant life including many types of food crops and native flowers. 

This project aids in conserving bees and promotes biodiversity and the resilience of urban green spaces. By installing special habitats, Bee Bunkers and Bee Hotels, and planting native flowers in public spaces throughout the city, we will bridge the gaps between green spaces and promote native bee populations. 

How We Do It

In collaboration with DOT and Dr. Kimberly Russell, resident bee expert from the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources at Rutgers University, we developed a research model and habitat installation plan, generously funded by the Ittleson Foundation. 

Building Pollinator Habitats 

Dr. Russell and her dedicated Bee Team at Rutgers construct these pollinator habitats using natural materials such as bamboo, reeds, and repurposed wine barrels. Our scientifically grounded designs prioritize community involvement, utilizing readily available and affordable materials that can be assembled by individuals with limited construction skills. 

The Bee Hotels look similar to bird houses and cater to those bees who nest in cavities, typically dead plant stems that are too often cleared away to make urban spaces look “tidy”. These models are elevated on poles and secured by a weighted base. 

We employ two different Bee Hotel models; one hand-made featuring natural plant materials and a barrel base, and the other made by Vestre, a commercially manufactured model. 

The Bee Bunkers contain a soil mix and level of compaction that is rare in the city – high in sand and low in organic matter. These bunkers will be embedded in planters containing flowers that bees love, allowing them to reduce the time and energy they need to eat and provide for their young.

Pollinator Port Habitat Sites 

  • Fordham Plaza 
  • Parkside Plaza 
  • Gates Ave Open Street 
  • 34th Ave Open Street 
  • Quisqueya (Dykman) Plaza 
  • Cooper Square Plaza 

Site Selection and Verification 

Potential sites, identified by the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), undergo a thorough verification process. The Bee Team conducts site visits to ensure adequate access to plants and food sources, optimizing the chances of successful bee colonization. 

Horticulture Expertise and Maintenance 

Our horticulture experts play a crucial role by incorporating native plants into each site. They also ensure year-round maintenance through regular watering and seasonal upkeep, creating a sustainable environment for the pollinators. 

Ongoing Monitoring and Research 

Once installed, we continually monitor the habitats for bee activity and colonization. This data contributes to our research on native bee populations, providing valuable insights that enhance Pollinator Ports not only in New York City but in urban areas across the country. Our ultimate goal is to make cities more hospitable to these essential pollinators, ensuring their survival and thriving ecosystems.