BCTXMN Pollinator Garden Springs Into Action

This spring, the Pollinator Garden Committee was able to put plans into action and completed planting for two of their sites: Mansfield Dam Park and Menchaca Elementary School. The committee worked throughout 2021 to develop a “greatest hits” plant list, design the two gardens and work on propagation during the winter. When spring came, they were ready!

“This is the best volunteer group I have ever worked with,” Mansfield Dam Park Manager Raven Pettyman recently said. “They showed up and have continued to provide maintenance. With staffing shortages, we would not have been able to do this.”

The Pollinator Committee also worked with a teacher at Menchaca Elementary School to develop garden plans for an outdoor classroom the school was creating. They then provided technical support on the day of planting.

“This is one of my best experiences so far volunteering,” said Gene Janulis. “Working alongside teachers, parents and students was really rewarding.”

The school provided all funds for the project. 

While the Committee will continue to provide garden upkeep at Mansfield Dam Park, the Chapter is not responsible for further maintenance at Menchaca Elementary School. That said and with relationships built, several committee members have signed up for a weeding party in May. The Committee also hopes to provide education onsite in conjunction with the DEI Committee this fall.

Master Naturalists have the opportunity to get volunteer hours at the time of their choosing this summer by signing up to water and/or weed at these sites. The committee also meets twice a month (first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6pm) and has a regular garden workday on the third Saturday of each month. Those interested can contact Shayla Fleshman on Slack or through email at shayla.fleshman@gmail.com.

This summer, the committee will be busy planning for fall plantings at Hamilton Pool, Concordia University and North Oaks Park so stay tuned for further developments.