Build the Buzz, Feed the Soul

Scientists estimate that one out of every three bites of food you eat is there because of pollinators. Pollinators include bees, butterflies, moths, bats, birds, beetles, and other insects. However, we know that many pollinator populations are in decline, and this decline is attributed most severely to a loss in feeding and nesting habitats. We’d like to help with that and provide essential learning and gathering opportunities to the community. The program will draw volunteers with expertise in gardening, pollinating, preserving and sustainability. We could also expand to incorporate composting, local agricultural partnerships, and family events to build food literacy and environmental stewardship.
In collaboration with community volunteers, schools, homeschools and summer program youth, we hope to expand our tiny butterfly garden to include flowers that also attract other pollinators. We would like to be able to promote and sustain a pollinator habitat that will support the growth of a new vegetable garden to be planted and nurtured by local youth and harvested for a seed to table nutrition program.

For both gardens, youth will start seeds indoors, move to planting outdoors and to tending outdoor garden beds. There is an opportunity to learn about plant life cycles and soil health and how pollinators should be welcomed to feed a variety of crops.
Children will gather the mature produce and use teaching kitchens to chop, mix, and prepare fresh snacks and or preserved goods.
Educators can tie the garden and kitchen into regular subjects like science (ecosystems), math (measuring ingredients), and social studies (local food systems).