St. Louis Regional Airport Pollinator Runway

Creating sustainable landscapes with native and pollinator-friendly plants

The Pollinator Runway initiative transforms airport landscapes into thriving habitats for pollinators while maintaining safe and attractive airport grounds. By incorporating native prairie species and flowering plants, the project supports bees, butterflies, and other beneficial wildlife while reducing long-term maintenance needs.

These carefully selected plants provide:

  • Seasonal color and visual appeal
  • Habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects
  • Improved sustainability
  • Drought tolerance and reduced maintenance
  • Support for local ecosystems

Plants included in the project:

Butterfly Weed

Coreopsis

Purple Prairie Clover

Downy Skullcap

Dwarf Blue Indigo

Eastern Bluestar

Prairie Phlox

Prairie Dropseed

Culver’s Root

Bradbury’s Mondarda

Leadplant

Fringe Tree

Chokeberry

Sage

Smooth Aster

Golden Alexander

Prairie Blazingstar

Savanna Blazingstar

Virginia Sweetspire

Indian Pink

Wild Sweet William

Prairie Dock

Purple Coneflower

Wild Quinine

Cardinal Flower

Blue Lobelia

Garden Phlox

Virginia Bluebells

Environmental Benefit:

Pollinator Habitat:  Supports bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.

Water Conservation:  Native plants require less irrigation once established.

Reduced Maintenance:  Prairie species reduce mowing and maintenance requirements.

Sustainability:  Enhances biodiversity and environmental stewardship at airport facilities.