Spring is in full swing here in Ohio, and community gardens across the state are looking forward to their native pollinator plants popping up this year!
Native pollinator plants don’t just support local pollinator species, but support the ecosystem as a whole. Pollinators play a significant role in natural and urban settings by helping to keep plant communities healthy and reproducing, which in turn prevents soil erosion, improves water quality, and provides food and cover for native wildlife.
In October 2020 the Sierra Club Ohio Clean Water Campaign was able to use grant funds provided by Sierra Club Grassroots Network to distribute native pollinator plants to community gardens in need. We had an overwhelming response of applications, and a dedicated group of volunteers helped to identify gardens most in need. Recipients received over thirty plants each! The sites ranged from an urban Cleveland public library and community gardens providing locals with food and greenspace, to several public schools throughout the state!
Check back this fall as the community gardens are planning safe, socially distanced educational events around native pollinator plants and pollinator species, community clean ups, and seed sharing programs to help other local gardens thrive.
Check out all these pictures from gardens supported through this project!
Warren County Armco Park
Cleveland Public Library's East 131 Branch
The Giving Garden
Outdoor Learning Center at the Conneaut Middle School
