Weilenmann School’s 2,700 square-foot native pollinator habitat is officially planted, hydrated, and taking root! Thanks to the Utah Pollinator Habitat Grant, Middle School students rolled up their sleeves and transformed a patch of campus earth into a sanctuary for Utah’s native pollinators. We received our pre-selected, regionally tailored native habitat kits, hauled away mountain rocks, spread compost, and tucked every single seedling into its cozy new autumn bed right on schedule! And because native roots need a little extra love to get established, we installed a drip irrigation system to help build deep root structures before winter sets in.
“We are thrilled to report that our new plant babies are surviving and settling in beautifully,” reports project coordinator and WSD Art teacher, Naomi Kohl. “Come spring, we should see plants emerge to create a vibrant refueling station of pollen and nectar for native bees and butterflies moving through our watershed.”
As plants grow, students will track their health, collect animal monitoring data, create educational signage around the habitat perimeter, and continue pest management to keep the yellow jackets away. It’s a long term stewardship commitment that will help this habitat to keep surviving and thriving!
