--- title: "Cultivating Sustainability: An Interview with Evan Onuskanych from Callanan Industries" description: Discover how Callanan Industries is leading the way in sustainability with its pollinator garden. Learn about Rosie's Garden, employee engagement initiatives, and the importance of planting native. image: https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/hubfs/Images/Blog/Callanan%20Industries/Callanan%20Industries%20Planting%20Day.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/learn/cultivating-sustainability-an-interview-with-evan-onuskanych-from-callanan-industries#main-content) [![Garden for Wildlife by National Wildlife Federation logo](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/hubfs/Branding/Logos/GFW%20Stacked%20Primary%20Logo/GFW-logo-stacked-color-1.svg)](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/) - Get Involved [**At Home**](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/get-involved/at-home) From planting a garden to spreading the word about native plants, everyone can take action. 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Learn about Rosie's Garden, employee engagement initiatives, and the importance of planting native. [![gfw-featured-image-home-hummingbird](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/43941187/interactive-160479738010.png)](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKZ8miTKH6YohWrqFia3CLRpLuFpiO05TDbSYZ5pM%2BAmbYFw34Ajh%2FsfP0zt6d5inqG8KjSEODy2bLaUBhX6UEYA%2BE5fgZBdu0DfBDsDkHtb5xIdsZXUfAtODj1md%2FkWN4ATQnRUPsY3F9YHX%2Bc2XuEstsh%2BcMLY0daIrds2tqCgsAHI61qlkM2GTIY5dRi%2Fk%2B7tqeNV7F5LrJAfXmvlN%2BUNSf7ZZHlNAlTTg%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=160479738010&portalId=43941187) At Garden for Wildlife, we love hearing about the innovative ways fellow [Wildlife Habitat Council](https://www.wildlifehc.org/) members are integrating native plants into their sustainability efforts. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Evan Onuskanych, the Sustainability Manager at [Callanan Industries, Inc.](https://www.callanan.com/), to learn about their inspiring initiatives. Here's a look into our conversation and how Callanan Industries is leveraging [native plants](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/learn/native-plants-everything-you-need-to-know) to enhance biodiversity and sustainability at their sites. ## Introducing Callanan Industries and Evan's Role Evan began by providing some background on Callanan Industries, a [CRH company](https://www.crh.com/). "We are a building materials solutions company, our aggregates and asphalt are used for roads, highways, airports, buildings, bridges and other infrastructure projects," he explained. Callanan has a deep history rooted in New York and operates five quarries in the state, including one of the oldest continuously running quarries in South Bethlehem. Evan's journey into sustainability started with a degree in geology and a passion for eco-friendly practices, influenced by his family's values. Initially an Environmental Compliance Manager, Evan's responsibilities have expanded with his tenure to include sustainability efforts. His role today reflects his keen interest in creating sustainable habitats and enhancing Callanan’s environmental stewardship. ## The Birth of Rosie's Garden One of the standout projects Evan spearheaded is the creation of a [pollinator garden](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/learn/essential-guide-to-cultivating-a-thriving-pollinators-garden) at Callanan’s Pattersonville site, fondly named Rosie's Garden. "The land was previously an abandoned house, which we demolished to make space for the garden," Evan shared. The garden, named after the former owner, Rosie, now serves as a vibrant testament to sustainable land use. ![Callanan Industries Rosies Garden](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Blog/Callanan%20Industries/Callanan%20Industries%20Rosies%20Garden.jpg?width=624&height=468&name=Callanan%20Industries%20Rosies%20Garden.jpg) Rosie's Garden is more than just a beautification project; it's a practical conservation effort. Evan emphasized the importance of visibility and accessibility in their planning. They ensured the garden could be easily seen by passersby and had a reliable water source, using a solar-powered watering system to keep the plants thriving. To bring Rosie's Garden to life, Evan selected a variety of native plants known for their benefits to pollinators and their adaptability to the local environment. Among the plants purchased were [little bluestem](https://gardenforwildlife.com/products/little-bluestem-grass-plant-sets) *(Schizachyrium scoparium)* and [purple lovegrass](https://gardenforwildlife.com/products/purple-lovegrass-plant-sets) (Eragrostis spectabilis), both of which are excellent for providing habitat and food for various wildlife. Additionally, Evan invested in several Garden for Wildlife [curated collections](https://gardenforwildlife.com/collections) including our: [**Hummingbird Heroes**](https://gardenforwildlife.com/products/hummingbird-heroes) - This collection includes vibrant, nectar-rich flowers that attract hummingbirds, offering them essential nourishment and a place to rest. [**Pollinator Power**](https://gardenforwildlife.com/products/pollinator-power) - Featuring a mix of flowers that bloom throughout the growing season, this collection supports a diverse array of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. [**Spring Bee Buffet**](https://gardenforwildlife.com/products/spring-bee-buffet) - Designed to provide early-season forage, this collection ensures that bees have access to food sources as they emerge in the spring. [**Monarch Munchables**](https://gardenforwildlife.com/products/monarch-munchables) - Focused on supporting the monarch butterfly, this collection includes milkweed and other nectar plants that cater to the needs of both adult butterflies and their larvae. Garden for Wildlife collections are carefully curated based on [decades of research](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/about-us) and experience. They are designed to thrive when planted together, creating the habitat wildlife needs to not just survive but thrive year-round. These plantings help establish a robust, self-sustaining ecosystem that benefits a variety of species. ## Engaging the Community and Company One unique aspect of Callanan’s approach is involving both senior leadership and interns in building and maintaining the garden. "We use our senior leadership intern event days to construct these gardens," said Evan. This collaborative effort not only fosters teamwork but also educates participants about the importance of pollinators and native plants. ![Callanan Industries Planting Day](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Blog/Callanan%20Industries/Callanan%20Industries%20Planting%20Day.jpg?width=624&height=468&name=Callanan%20Industries%20Planting%20Day.jpg) The initiative has seen enthusiastic participation from employees, turning garden maintenance into a learning experience. "It's a chance for our team to get their hands dirty and understand what's involved in these projects," Evan noted. This hands-on approach has been instrumental in cultivating a [company-wide appreciation for sustainability.](https://www.callanan.com/about-us/community) ## Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Successes Evan candidly discussed the challenges they faced, from dealing with invasive species like Japanese knotweed to ensuring consistent plant growth. "Don’t be discouraged by small failures," he advised. "Give the garden time to grow; the first iteration won't be what it looks like in a year or two." Despite these hurdles, the garden is flourishing. "We’ve seen bees and other pollinators already making use of the space," Evan reported. The project’s success has inspired plans for additional gardens at other Callanan sites, each tailored to the specific ecological needs of their locations. ## Advice for Aspiring Sustainability Advocates Evan's experience offers valuable lessons for others looking to implement similar projects. "Start small and manageable," he advised. "Expand as you learn and gain control over the process." He also highlighted the importance of using established plants initially, as it helps people visualize the garden's potential and understand the value of native species. ## Looking Ahead: Raising Awareness of Native Plants As Callanan Industries continues to grow its sustainability initiatives, Evan remains optimistic and driven. Future plans include more pollinator gardens and possibly a [Wildlife Habitat Council Conservation Certification](https://www.wildlifehc.org/certification/about/) for one or more of his projects. He’s committed to increased community engagement to raise awareness about the importance of native plants. ![Callanan Group Photo](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group%20Shot.jpg?width=624&height=416&name=Group%20Shot.jpg)Our conversation with Evan showcases how corporate sustainability can be both impactful and inspiring. By integrating native plants and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, Callanan Industries is setting a remarkable example. We look forward to seeing how their efforts continue to evolve and make a positive difference for our ecosystems. Stay tuned for more stories from our partners and [explore ways you can get involved](https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/get-involved?hsLang=en) in creating your own pollinator-friendly habitats. Join the movement to enhance biodiversity and support wildlife with Garden for Wildlife. 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