Halsey committee plans pollinator garden and recruits OSU resources for Arbor Day

The Parks & Library Committee on Feb. 19 moved forward with plans for an Arbor Day pollinator garden and related educational activities.

Kaitlyn, committee member, said she will check for an available beekeeper to present at the pollinator event and will sign up for Oregon State University’s Bee Stewardship program to obtain educational materials. Committee members discussed constructing a 4x8x3 raised bed built from cedar and corrugated metal; local businesses have offered to donate materials to reduce costs. Briana, committee member, will contact Native Grounds for recommendations on native, pollinator-friendly plants and the group emphasized keeping plant selections native.

The committee also discussed organizing field trips with the elementary school. Members agreed to ask teachers to confirm time slots one week in advance and considered creating a poll to let teachers select preferred times.

Next steps: Kaitlyn will pursue beekeeper outreach and OSU Bee Stewardship enrollment; Briana will consult Native Grounds on plant lists; the committee will finalize bed design and confirm donated materials before scheduling planting and school visits.