TPD San Juan de Abajo Site

About the Program
Bayer's site in San Juan de Abajo, Mexico, lies within a region characterized by a warm sub-humid climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 22 to 28º C and with annual rainfall from 830 to 1,783 mm. The soil is moderately alkaline and very low in salts, not conducive for agricultural use. The Bayer team planted a 2.5-acre pollinator garden in 2021 that hosts 32 native species, 25 exotic species and three cultivated species to attract bees and butterflies. The team also maintains a plant nursery on-site where they raise plants for the garden to ensure diversity and year-round blooming. The gardens also contain manmade shelters for pollinators including an apiary and hives for stingless bees. 

Practices and Impacts

• The four-section garden is separated according to plant species, with a water source at the center to attract more species to the garden. There are specific areas dedicated to the native species ruellia simplex; a second section for temporary species such as sunflower, sesame and jamaica; a third for aromatic plants; and the last section for wild species collected from the area. To reduce weed growth and erosion during the rainy season, open walking areas have been paved with rocks. 
• The team has documented 31 species of pollinators in the garden, as well as a 40% increase in activity.