Packets of non-invasive flower mix seeds that attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators are now available at no cost while supplies last, according to Clallam County Noxious Weed Control coordinator Cathy Lucero.

Lucero said that the seed packets are part of a campaign to promote non-invasive forage for a broad array of pollinators who face many obstacles, coupled with an awareness that some beautiful plants have become bullies in the bigger scheme of things.

Certain beautiful, but noxious, weeds can provide pollen and nectar sources for honeybees but are capable of spreading far beyond their intended area, ruining pastures, displacing native plants, disrupting riverbed habitat for fish and damaging infrastructure.

The Clallam County Noxious Weed Board is offering the seed packets to assist local homeowners and gardeners control noxious weeds while growing native vegetation and providing pollinator-friendly environment.

Lucero explained, “As always our ultimate goal is to protect people, land and natural resources from the degrading impact of noxious weeds.”

The seed packets contain seed for lupine, sunflower, coreopsis, purple coneflower, crimson clover, lemon mint, bee balm and butterfly milkweed and other species.

Cindy Ericksen, president of the North Olympic Peninsula Beekeepers’ Association, said that local beekeepers appreciate the Noxious Weed Board’s providing non-invasive flower seeds, which are friendly to the native ecosystems and farmlands as the flowers will provide good sources of pollen and nectar for pollinators. Ericksen said, “With bee colonies under stress on the Olympic Peninsula, planting flower seeds provides a little hope and allows everyone to be a part of the solution.”

The seed packets are available at the WSU Extension and the Community Development offices in the Clallam County Courthouse, the Conservation District office and the Port Angeles city hall.

For more information, contact Lucero at 417-2442 or the Clallam County Extension Office at 417-2279.