Mantua Pollinator Corridor

The Mantua Pollinator Corridor is a network of 20 hand-built planter boxes lining several streets in the Mantua neighborhood.

The planters boast native plants and provide habitat for local pollinators while also serving as an eye-catching symbol of community pride.

The Corridor was started in 2023 as a project of the Mantua Civic Association Enrichment Committee, made possible with funding from Feet First Philly via the Clean Air Council and with support from the Philadelphia Zoo, and is maintained by Mantua residents. The Corridor exists as the first stage of a larger vision on the part of the Zoo and neighboring organizations to produce a pollinator corridor spanning from the Zoo to John Heinz Wildlife Refuge.

The Corridor was spearheaded by Ms. Rebecca Rose of the Mantua Civic Association, in memory of MCA member Ms. Madeline Arrington and as a continuation of her “Bulbs not Bullets” program, which sought to promote neighborhood beautification and community-building as a means of combatting gun violence. In Ms. Arrington’s honor, each box contains tulip bulbs, and is hand-painted to read “Follow our Tulips to the Zoo.” The same tulips can be seen echoed in the mural on the 34th St bridge, visually connecting the Corridor to the Zoo.

Why is the Pollinator Corridor important?

In addition to being a community beautification initiative and symbol of Mantua pride, promoting anti-violence through community collaboration and stewardship, the planter boxes serve an important role as pollinator habitat. Pollinator species like butterflies and bees (as well as less-glamorous but equally-important species like beetles, moths, and even bats) are indispensable to the world as we know it today.

Three fourths of flowering plants on earth rely on pollinators to reproduce and survive. They aid our gardens, and even help grow our food! In fact, according to the USDA, one in every three bites of food we eat exists because of pollination. We owe a lot to pollinators—but they need our help.

Worldwide, pollinator species are in decline. Especially in densely-populated urban environments like Philadelphia, pollinators face threats from pesticides and habitat loss, and rely on pockets of green space, particularly of native plants, to find food and shelter. Flowers and leaves from native plants provide excellent food sources, and in winter, many species rely on the woody stems or fallen leaves of plants to shelter from the cold.

By creating native plant corridors, we can provide channels for pollinator species to travel safely as they look for food and shelter, and ensure they can continue to beautify our communities and provide for us!

Planter Box Care Guide

Below you will find care instructions for Mantua residents who are caring for planter boxes.

Watering Schedule

• Spring: Water when top 1-2in of soil is dry (approximately 3 times a week)
• Summer: Water daily when the temperature is consistently above 85°F
• Fall: Water when top 1-2in of soil is dry (approximately 3 times a week)
• Winter: Reduce water, ensure soil is not completely dry but never soggy
• Water daily in the first few weeks to help plants establish roots.
• When possible, water in the morning to allow foliage to dry and prevent disease.
• First check that soil is dry, then water top 1-2in of soil (approx. 1 gallon of water).
• Please do not place decorations in the planters, as these may damage roots.
• Please do not use pesticides on the plants, as these may harm beneficial pollinators.

Weeding, Pruning & Mulching

• Remove weeds regularly to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
• Trim dead flowers and leaves to encourage continuous blooming.
• Apply a light layer of mulch to help conserve moisture, reduce weeds & prevent freezing.

Monitoring Plant Health

• Watch for signs of stress, such as wilting or yellowing leaves.
• If plants appear unhealthy, check soil moisture levels and adjust watering accordingly.

Encouraging Pollinators

• Avoid using pesticides, which can harm bees and butterflies.
• If possible, plant additional native species around the planters to enhance the habitat.

Watering Adjustments in 2026 and Beyond

• Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth. This will be key to your plants sustaining themselves long term, especially during periods of stress.
• Monitor plants during dry spells and provide supplemental watering if necessary.

Community Involvement

• Engage with neighbors to share tips and maintain planter health together.
• Help by watering planters that seem under stress. Ask for help if you are out of town.