On June 3, 2023 The 6th Branch, Broadway East Community Association, National Wildlife Federation and Garden for Wildlife came together on a sunny Saturday morning to help establish a community pollinator garden at corner of East Lanvale Street and North Port Street in East Baltimore, Maryland.
Led by Dr. Doris Minor-Terrell of the Broadway East Community Association, local volunteers planted native plants and shrubs to create a Certified Wildlife Habitat®. The plants will support pollinators and other wildlife while also providing a green space for neighborhood residents.
Dr. Doris emphasized the need for natural spaces, citing a report initiative to plant native trees for tree cover. American Forests' “Tree Equity Scores” for 150,000 neighborhoods across the country highlights the inequitable distribution of tree canopy in urban areas. A score of 100 represents tree equity. Baltimore itself scored 84, but Broadway East has a tree equity score of around 60 and 10% tree cover; some blocks in the neighborhood had a score as low as 50.
The 6th Branch's Urban Canopy Program in Baltimore plants 100+ trees each year, stewards countless more, and operates the New Broadway East Tree Farm and Nursery, onsite with the new pollinator garden.
The new plants are native to Baltimore, Maryland and now serve as the foundation for their community Certified Wildlife Habitat.
Importance of Community Gardening with Native Plants
Installing a community garden with native plants brings many benefits. Native plants support biodiversity by providing essential food and habitat for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds. These species are crucial for the health of local ecosystems and global food security.
With many pollinator species, such as monarch butterflies, in steep decline, community gardens can play a pivotal role in their survival. By planting milkweed and nectar-rich native species, gardens can serve as stepping stones for migratory routes while also supporting local wildlife.
Plus, native plants are adapted to the local soil, water, and weather conditions, making them more sustainable and less reliant on fertilizers, pesticides, or excess water. Their resilience makes them extremely easy to manage for a community garden.
A community garden brings people together, fostering a sense of collaboration, ownership, and pride. These gardens can serve as outdoor classrooms where residents, especially children, learn about ecosystems, conservation, and sustainable practices. A well-designed garden improves the aesthetics of public spaces and provides a peaceful retreat that benefits mental well-being. Everyone benefits!
Serving the Community
Even a small community pollinator garden, sometimes called a "pocket" garden, can make a big impact on the local environment, reducing urban heat, improving air quality, and aiding in the management of stormwater runoff. The new space also brings cultural and recreational value, providing a space for festivals, workshops, or simply a quiet walk to appreciate nature.
Planting low-maintenance native plants saves resources on watering, fertilizing, and pest control, making it easier for the community to manage and helping to ensure the garden thrives long after planting day.
The Garden for Wildlife team is thrilled to support local communities by creating green spaces like this pollinator garden in Baltimore. Click here for more garden donation stories or visit gardenforwildlife.com to start designing a community garden in your neighborhood.