FAQ

Q:  Where are the Pollinator Pathway Project gardens located?

A:  Take a self-guided tour of the gardens (and nearby pollinator plant locations) using the map below!

Q:  How did this project get started?

A: The inspiration for this project came in the fall of 2022, with the recognition that bountiful, pollinator-friendly habitat gardens existed at the east end of town on the grounds of the Caviglia-Arivaca Library, and at the west end of town in the Arivaca Dancehall courtyard... but there was very little pollinator habitat along the 3 blocks of "main street" between them.  

There are many knowledgeable gardeners in the Arivaca area, which is reflected in many lush, flower-filled home gardens throughout the town and nearby hills.  Most of these gardens also contain some kind of fence or other protection around them to keep javelina, deer, and/or open-range cows off the plants.   

Throughout the years, some Arivaca "main street" businesses have tried to grow plants around their front entries, but the open-range cows have no problem walking through town eating every delicious plant to the ground that they can reach, day or night.   So in order to create a sustainable, pollinator pathway through town, it has been necessary to make sure that cows can't reach the plants!  Therefore, the criterion for all garden locations had to include protection by a fence or low wall (Marian's Market is the one exception), as well as being highly visible for all "main street" pedestrians, and a good spot for a colorful, hand-painted sign that would be easily visible from the street.

Arivaca's "main street" properties were the focus of the first 10 public garden installations,  but the project soon expanded to include new public gardens approx. 1-2 miles outside of town in an area called called "the Forties", and there are now also 43 private property gardens registered in the Home Gardener Program!

Q: Who is sponsoring this project?

A: The Pollinator Pathway Project is a collaboration between 4 main entities:

• Emily Bishton and Conrad Uno, owners of the Arivaca Dancehall;

• The Friends of the Arivaca Caviglia Library and their Teen Advisory Board (TAB) 

• The project's main grantor, The Endangered Species Coalition;

• Generous community members who have made monetary and in-kind donations.

Q: Who is carrying out this project?

A: Each garden has been created 100% by Arivaca volunteers, from tots to teens to seniors!  These awesome and generous people have included:

• Madian, Sky, Jasmin, Treyce, Chelsea, Ethan, Sasha, and Daniel from TAB;

• Wendy and Dana from the Friends of the Caviglia- Arivaca Library;

• Emily & Uno from the Arivaca Dancehall;

• Ellen D., Allyson & Ed, Mark Dresang, and Judy S. from Arivaca Human Resource;

• Kathy S., Glo, Nathalie & Doug from the Arivaca Action Center; 

• Mary S. and Ann W. from the Arivaca Schoolhouse;

• Nik, Sage, Mark Dresang, and Tassea C. from Arivaca Community Center

• Allyson, Ed, and Mark Diekmann from A Gathering Space;

• Les and Sandra from Marian's Market;

• Amber from Gadsden Coffee/Monarch Cafe;

• Other community members include: Zoe H., Beth G., Dave Banjoseed, Sienna W., Kristin D., Kimberly B., and Esme, Brisa and Julio H.  Thanks to all!

The garden signs have been created by:

• Emily & Uno from the Arivaca Dancehall;

• Jayne, Sage, Nik, and a dozen youth from the Arivaca Community Center summer and after-school programs;

• Angie, Barb, Ellen, Nathalie, and a dozen preschoolers from the Arivaca Action Center Early Learning Center summer program.

Arivaca has a long history of volunteerism, borne out in its many fabulous non-profit organizations, community-wide celebrations, and neighbor-helping-neighbor events. That can-do and caring spirit is ultimately what has made the entire Pollinator Pathway Project grow strong, and will help it be sustainable for years to come!

Q: Where/when/how was the Endangered Species mural done?

A:  The mural wraps around 3 sides of the restroom building at the Arivaca Dancehall, which is surrounded by a Pollinator Pathway Garden.  The mural was designed and painted by artist Paul 'Nox' Pablo, with painting assistance from TAB leader Madian Romero and project leader co-owner Emily Bishton.  A huge dedication celebration was held on September 3rd, 2023!  

The mural steering committee - Emily, Kathy S., Jill F., Madian, and several TAB members- worked with Nox on the choice of endangered species that are featured in the mural design, and met with him onsite to discuss the design and logistics of the project.

Q: Where/when/how was the Nighttime Pollinators mural done?

This mural covers 5 large panels of the back garden fence at the Arivaca Dancehall, which is now surrounded by a new nighttime pollinators garden.  The mural was designed and painted by artist Paul 'Nox' Pablo, with painting assistance from TAB leader Madian Romero, and the new mural and garden were both created for the Earth Day Celebration on April 20th, 2024!

Q: Where has the funding for the murals and gardens come from?

A1:  In 2023 and 2024, the majority of funding has been via grants from two national non-profit organizations:  the Endangered Species Coalition and ESA@50.  There have also been many generous donations from community members. Visit our Funding page for all the details, and visit our Support the Project webpage for ideas on how you can participate by volunteering, growing plants, donating supplies, or other support!