In a truly collaborative effort, 5 of 10 Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council congregations have had butterfly/pollinator gardens planted at their locations. The Council purchased plants from a native plant sale organized by the Woods & Wetlands group of the Illinois Sierra Club. Butterfly weed milkweed seed was provided by Sierra Club Illinois Chapter. And, common Milkweed seeds and plugs were provided by the author. Additionally, several churches and temples have had plants donated by their congregants from either thinning out their own garden plants or purchasing and dropping off for the volunteers to plant.
These gardens have been planted in a variety of locations at area Houses of Worship. Native plants were chosen for the varied types of environment being planted, including open areas with full sun, partially shaded, raised bed with quick drainage, and fully shaded areas.
A local Scout troop and youth groups of the congregation helped with the projects.
Several gardens are brand new, while some established garden areas had plants added.
To some existing garden areas we added milkweed to the mix in order to establish butterfly/pollinator Waystation designation. We ask the churches to contact Monarch Watch to certify the garden and order signage for a nominal fee. This fee helps Monarch Watch with their conservation efforts. As you can see in the pictures, two gardens have already received their sign and a third is on order.
Dry, hot weather this season has caused some difficult circumstances for newly established plantings. The gardens will be monitored closely during the summer and watered as needed.
A “garden dedication” at each congregation/location is being discussed, which will include educational material, giveaways, and children’s activities, all involving saving the Monarch and the importance of pollinators to our food supply.
At the dedication ceremonies for these gardens we will be promoting and urging people and organizations to join the Illinois Monarch Project's goal of adding 150 million new milkweed stems to the Illinois landscape by 2038, and to take the Illinois Monarch Project Pledge. We will also continue to promote native plants for pollinators and the IMP Pledge to individual homeowners throughout the year.
Bruce Glickson is the Chair of the Illinois Sierra Club Woods & Wetlands Group Monarchs for Survival Campaign, and Garden Leader for Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council. Bruce can be reached via email.