Master Gardeners describe pollinator garden, volunteer work and school outreach at Unity Park

Master Gardeners and volunteers gave the Parks Board an update on Unity Park, describing the Pollinator Garden as an established waystation with native plantings intended for conservation and hands-on education.

Jonah Johnson, a volunteer Master Gardener, said the garden is “focused on education” and that volunteers have branded it the Pollinator Garden to keep the project visible. He described efforts to add native milkweed and other nectar plants and said the garden currently lists about 40 native Texas plants on its plant tags.

John Ankeny, another Master Gardener, said volunteers have logged “hundreds of hours” planting beds, installing irrigation and maintaining the site. He highlighted the educational uses already in place, including a 4‑H group and a Girl Scout project that planted plugs and stepping stones in the garden.

Board members asked about partnerships with local schools and signage. Master Gardeners said outreach to sixth‑grade science classes, Girl Scouts and 4‑H groups is planned and that they will pursue clearer wayfinding: volunteers reported inconsistencies in Google Maps and proposed an explicit address (800 Eagle Drive) and improved signage pointing visitors to the Pollinator Garden entrance. Staff agreed to assist with wayfinding and a dedicated parks page and to bring a calendaring/coordination update to the next meeting so volunteer events do not conflict with scheduled activities.

The volunteers also requested caution on pesticide use near native plantings and asked for maintenance coordination so town mowing and volunteer planting schedules align.

The board noted the volunteers’ request and asked staff to return with details on signage, web presence and school outreach at a future meeting.