Exploring the Monarch Pollinator Garden: A Buzzing Hub of Life and Learning
As fall gracefully descends upon us, the Wildlife Center’s Monarch Pollinator Garden begins its seasonal transformation, preparing for the vibrant blooms of spring. This garden is more than just a beautiful space; it serves as a vital resource for wildlife and a unique outdoor classroom for our community, even as we embrace the changes that come with the cooler months.
A Space for Education
The Monarch Pollinator Garden provides an engaging environment where students and summer campers learn about the essential role of pollinators and the importance of native plants. Our garden features milkweed, the sole plant where the threatened Monarch butterfly lays its eggs, alongside other flora such as tansy, ferns, lamb’s ear, ironweed, and bee balm.
With photos from our summer camp, you can see the joy on the campers’ faces as they explored the garden, learning about the changes in plants and wildlife as fall approaches. Laura Campbell, one of our dedicated volunteers, shares, “I’ve really enjoyed helping with the pollinator garden. My favorite part has to be watching the summer campers enjoy the garden at the height of summer… they enjoy filling the bird feeders and walking through the garden (including the giant replica of an eagle’s nest). It is heartening to hear how much these young campers know about gardening and the importance of supporting our pollinators.”
Certifying the Monarch Pollinator Garden as a Monarch Waystation
This summer, we took a major step in supporting Monarch conservation by certifying the Monarch Pollinator Garden as an official Monarch Waystation. Using the certification requirements provided by Monarch Watch, our teens in the Jr. Rehabber Corps worked together as a team to ensure our garden met the necessary criteria.
During a group activity, the teens measured the size of the garden, identified the plant species, and compared our garden to the checklist to confirm it met the Monarch Waystation standards. It was a hands-on learning experience, reinforcing the importance of creating habitats for migrating Monarchs. After collecting all the required information, our staff filled out the online form, and we were delighted to receive our official Monarch Waystation sign, now proudly displayed in the garden.
Volunteer Power!
Our volunteers are the heart of the Monarch Pollinator Garden! In addition to Laura, we have Chris Wright and Jessica Tancraitor, who are both passionate about creating a thriving habitat for wildlife. Chris emphasizes the importance of native plants in maintaining healthy ecosystems: “Vibrant native plant communities are the base of healthy ecosystems upon which all animals rely. The damage to these ecosystems directly correlates with the decline we see in most wildlife species. Urban and suburban areas that are not completely paved, smothered in weed fabric, or seeded with turf usually become engulfed with invasive plants, all of which further habitat loss. Because of this, landscaping with ecologically productive flora is one of the most environmentally impactful things we can do in these spaces.”
Chris also highlights the educational value of the garden: “Although pollinators aren’t the only important insects, pollinator gardens are great educational tools that allow people to easily observe important plant-insect relationships. Pollinator gardens can also be a lifeline for many insects, such as migrating Monarchs, traveling through fragmented habitats in search of nectar and/or pollen. If we reject the urge to dominate nature, and instead seek to manage and enhance nature with an eye for aesthetics and a motive for ecology, it can be enjoyable.”
Thanks to Chris’s efforts, we’re thrilled to announce a new collaboration with Plumline Nursery, which will be donating seasonal plants to enhance our garden! This partnership will help ensure that our garden remains a beautiful and educational space throughout the year.
Celebrating Nature’s Autumn Beauty
As we transition into fall, the garden’s changing colors and textures provide a perfect backdrop for exploration. Our bird feeders continue to attract local wildlife, offering visitors a chance to witness the busy activity of birds preparing for winter. The manmade eagle nest is another highlight, allowing campers to delve into learning about nesting behaviors and structures.
Our Junior Rehabber Corps teens have painted decorative rocks that add a personal touch to the garden, surrounding the stunning iron bird sculpture created by a former volunteer. These artistic additions create a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the creativity and enthusiasm of our young naturalists.
Get Involved!
As we watch the Monarch Pollinator Garden transition into fall, it’s a great time to reflect on how we can all contribute to wildlife conservation. If you’re passionate about supporting our local ecosystems, consider volunteering at HARP’s Wildlife Center! Our dedicated volunteers help maintain the garden, educate the community, and ensure that this space thrives for pollinators and other wildlife.
Thank you for supporting our mission, and stay tuned for more updates about the garden and our ongoing efforts!
