Audubon Great Plains and the Fargo Park District are pleased to announce an opportunity to join in planting an Urban Pollinator Plot and “bee” a part of conservation in our community. Volunteers are invited to join the planting on Tuesday, June 20th, from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the North Softball Complex in North Fargo, North Dakota. The project aims to restore a vibrant habitat that supports pollinators including bees, butterflies, and birds.
Pollinators are an integral part of our ecosystem, playing a vital role in maintaining a balanced environment. The ruby-throated hummingbird, grassland birds, and other vital pollinators habitats have been steadily declining due to various factors such as urbanization, agricultural practices, and habitat fragmentation. To address this issue and support the conservation of these unique bird species and other wildlife, Audubon Great Plains and partners have developed a plan to establish six pollinator plots that caters to their specific needs.
The Urban Pollinator Plots (UPP) Project is a collaborative effort between the Fargo Park District, Audubon Great Plains, North Dakota State University, United Prairie Foundation and funded by the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund to establish and restore native urban landscapes that are beneficial to pollinators across the Fargo metro.
With the goal of establishing more than 50 acres of high diversity, forb-rich native prairie plantings in urban parklands, the UPP Project hopes to beautify the community we call home and increase awareness while highlighting the importance of protecting our natural resources.
The pollinator plot, located at the North Softball Complex at 6063 45th Street in North Fargo, will be a carefully curated habitat featuring native flowering plants and grasses providing a diverse range of nectar and pollen sources on 25 acres. By incorporating species that are known to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other insects, the project aims to create a thriving ecosystem that supports the life cycles of pollinators including birds, bees, and butterflies.
"Through our Urban Pollinator Plot Project, we aim to create beautiful urban prairie full of flowers and grasses that the community can appreciate, while supporting the essential role of pollinators in our ecosystem," said Sarah Hewitt, Audubon Great Plains Director of Conservation. "We believe that by engaging the community in hands-on conservation efforts, we can make a significant conservation impact for this vital habitat."
To bring this ambitious project to fruition, Audubon Great Plains is seeking the support of volunteers from the local community. The organization invites individuals of all ages and backgrounds to participate in the planting of the North Soft Complex Urban Pollinator Plot.
Volunteers will have the unique opportunity to contribute directly to the conservation efforts aimed at protecting pollinators and their habitats. Participants will receive guidance and training from experienced conservationists, ensuring an educational and engaging experience for all involved. By actively engaging in this hands-on activity, volunteers will play a crucial role in restoring and enhancing the local ecosystem while fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty and importance of grassland birds.
All volunteers will receive a commemorative thank you gift for their participation and entered to win a $50 Scheels Gift-card or a Stanley Quencher cup.
Interested volunteers can sign up through bit.ly/3WHSziP or by contacting Meghan Carter-Johnson at meghan.carter@audubon.org.
By volunteering to plant the pollinator plot, supporters of Audubon Great Plains will be contributing directly to the long-term conservation and preservation of important pollinators in our region. Together, we can ensure the survival and flourishing of these magnificent creatures, creating a more vibrant and sustainable environment for generations to come.
