California Pollinator Collaborative

We are a group of people and organizations concerned by the decline of California native pollinators and their habitat. To join us, click here.

Our goal is to establish a California Pollinator License Plate program by replicating the Whale-Tail License Plate Program that provides millions in grants annually (Whale-Tail Grants). Having a license plate program for pollinators would direct funds for the protection and restoration of habitat for all native pollinators, enabling more community action and supporting the work of many non-profit organizations involved in the native pollinator protection effort. 

Native pollinators—such as bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, bats, and birds—are essential for the reproduction of over 85% of the world’s flowering plants, including more than 75% of global food crops. 

Many important food plants and trees do not self- or wind-pollinate. Bees, butterflies, other insects, birds, bats, etc. all provide essential ecosystem services of spreading pollen to ensure fertilization, fruiting and seed formation of a large number of plants. Human actions including fragmenting habitat, monocropping, excessive pesticide use, and increasing climate disruptions all threaten pollinator populations around the globe. Humans can reverse the losses and support pollinators by growing pollinator friendly plants, providing nest sites, avoiding pesticides, and spreading the word. 

More info: Science: Pollinators (CA Department of Fish and Wildlife) 

Establishing a Specialized License Plate is done by a State Agency who will sponsor the program through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The application requires a design following the DMV License Plate Template, a financial plan, and 7,500 prepaid license plates (ordered by California drivers). The current cost of a Specialized CA License Plate is $50 (with an annual renewal fee of $40).