NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI)— The Tennessee Department of Transportation is relaunching its popular Project Milkweed initiative in celebration of National Pollinator Week, June 22 through 28.
For the fourth year, Tennessee residents can request free milkweed seed packets online, with supplies available while they last.
Last year, TDOT distributed more than 93,000 seed packets, fulfilling over 18,000 requests statewide.
This year’s program again includes Red Milkweed and Common Milkweed, both critical to monarch butterfly reproduction. New for 2026 is a native herb and flower blend featuring 10 plant varieties, including Tennessee’s state wildflowers — passionflower and coneflower — along with bee balm and black-eyed Susans.
The seeds can be ordered online at http://tnpollinators.org/milkweed.
TDOT launched its Pollinator Habitat Program in 2017 to combat declining pollinator populations caused by habitat loss, pesticides, and other threats. The initiative is a partnership with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Project Milkweed focuses on restoring habitat for monarch butterflies, which rely solely on milkweed plants for reproduction. The effort was formally recognized earlier this year by the Tennessee General Assembly, highlighting the importance of preserving pollinators across the state.
National Pollinator Week aims to raise awareness about the vital role pollinators play in ecosystems and encourages conservation efforts year-round.
