RSGA Rotary Takes the Pollinator Pledge

 

Richmond Spring Grove Area (RSGA) Rotary has answered the call for Rotarians to take the ‘pollinator pledge’ and support restoring pollinator habitats and educating the community on the importance of pollinators to our ecosystem. RSGA Rotary has started to fulfil our pledge by planting a pollinator garden next to the Richmond Township building on Route 12.

 

A pollinator garden is a self sufficient garden using plants native to the area. These gardens are designed to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, for example. These important pollinators help “sustain our ecosystems and produce our natural resources by helping plants reproduce” (www.pollinator.org). Unfortunately, the population of these important pollinators has decreased due to many factors including pesticides, chemicals, and pollution, which destroy their habitats.

 

Led by RSGA Rotary Committee Chair Dave Domenella, the process started last winter by clearing out an area designated for the garden. Guided by Jack Kaskel, owner of Red Buffalo Nursery in Richmond, Illinois, we purchased plants native to our area. On June 4, 2021, RSGA Rotarians Dave, Jerry, Christine, and her daughter Ally, planted the pollinator garden with more than 300 plants. Their work is already paying off, as many plants are already beginning to emerge.

 

RSGA Rotary plans to extend the garden next year with another plot of land as we continue to learn more about pollinator gardens.

Thanks to the committee and its members for all the hard work on this project.