Pollinator Habitat Garden Club is Awarded $1,000 Grant
Did you hear the latest buzz? Students in the Pollinator Habitat Garden Club at Albemarle High School in Charlottesville are addressing the important role pollinators play in the environment by researching, planning, and implementing a pollinator garden. They are being awarded a $1,000 grant as one of Keep Virginia Beautiful’s 12th Annual Green Grants Program to address the critical need of water in the garden.
The Pollinator Garden is located at the entrance to a walking trail. When completed, it will be a wonderful spot to take a walk through a variety native plants. The students in the club have all taken the Lewis Ginter web series on growing natives in Virginia. They’ve learned about invasive species and the importance of getting rid of non-native grass to create an environment that attracts pollinators. They will not use any pesticides or other toxic chemicals to sustain this habitat.
The placement of the Pollinator Garden is at the top of a hill, making it a challenge for students or maintenance crew to get a regular supply of water needed for the plants. The Green Grant award will install a rainwater harvesting system on a steep roof shed with a gutter that deposits water into a large water storage container. This system will provide enough water for the native pollinator plants. The students will also create a sign with QR codes directing visitors to a webpage to learn more about natives and sustainable gardening.
As well as solving the need for water, the new shed will hold the club’s garden tools, such as the wheel barrel, shovels, and fencing. Students will create a sign explaining the sustainable harvesting of water. They will also measure the amount of water that comes off the roof and fills the plastic container and track the number of students who work in the pollinator garden.
Congratulations to the students for recognizing the importance of pollinators in our landscape, and for the work they’re doing to educate others!