Connecting to Community 

by Logan Laflamme and Briana Chang

In a complex urban ecological system, such as an urban garden, many challenges slow growth. These challenges can lead to new opportunities and it is important to differentiate between challenges that are controllable and others that are not. Some uncontrollable challenges such as noise pollution from overhead airplanes and vehicles on busy streets are easy to overlook especially when it is almost impossible to change. Other challenges such as a lack of people power and knowledge of local systems like common weather conditions can lead to new and stronger connections with the community and a better understanding of the local systems. 

Projects such as the Worcester State University Pollinator Garden require lots of hands and different skills to complete. Also, the size and location of the garden have implications for the plants, such as changing the way they grow. Research about symbiotic plants, climate, and local pollinators may need to be carried out to create a garden like this effectively. 

Even though these challenges exist, the outcome of the pollinator gardens within these areas leaves a large positive impact making them worth the effort (Putnam, Nancy, et al.). To make this project a true success, hands-on workers are ready to make the concept a reality. Partnerships between the Greater Worcester Land Trust, Worcester Green Crops, Friends of Patch, Oxford Conservation Commission, local community volunteers, and the local Girl Scouts Troop have allowed for these pollinator garden projects to exist. The Greater Worcester Land Trust has allowed for Worcester State University’s Department of Earth, Environmental Science and Physics department to utilize their field station off of Patch Reservoir as a location for a pollinator garden. Friends of Patch aid in support of pollinator gardens and the return of native plants to the area. Each student of the environmental stewardship course is part of a different functioning group tasked with various aspects of the pollinator garden. One group is working to better understand the interactions between the new native plants and the preexisting plant species. 

Another group is working to educate the public through pamphlets on pollinator garden-related information. Some groups are creating homes for pollinators to promote the native pollinator population. Lastly, working with community communication and connection is a key necessity therefore another student is researching this topic. The Oxford Conservation Commission is starting their own pollinator garden on their property with various helpers. Local community volunteers and WSU’s environmental stewardship students will dig out the site and prepare it for native plants. Then community volunteers and the local Girl Scout Troop will place the plants in the plot. Personally, I feel as this opportunity to work with all of these individuals from various groups and backgrounds has generated a sense of togetherness as a community within Worcester County. All of these individuals are invested in bringing back native plant species to regions where they once thrived while generating a new food source for the decreasing pollinator population. Starting these projects now allow for more opportunities for others to utilize the space down the line. Community members can duplicate the pollinator gardens within their own property based on our model. Additionally, research opportunities for students or organizations can open up with the pollinator gardens as the location for a topic in further evaluations.

Works Cited

Putnam, Nancy, et al. “Pollinator Habitats and Gardens.” MA Department of Conservation and Recreation Office of Stewardship and Resource Protection Best Management Practices , https://www.mass.gov/doc/pollinator-habitats-and-gardens/download.