Cassie's Pollinator Garden
Pollinator Garden At Hillside Elementary school
Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund Micro-Grant
By Cassie Probst-Huertas
Building a wildflower garden next to Hillside Elementary School was a project close to my heart, aimed at promoting the pollinators that play such a crucial role in our ecosystem. The idea came from wanting to create something beautiful and educational, a space where children could not only enjoy nature but also learn about the importance of pollinators. Butterfly gardens are powerful tools for environmental education, offering a hands-on way for people to connect with the natural world while providing vital habitats for pollinators. In a time when these species are under threat from habitat loss and pesticide use, it’s critical for us to act and build these kinds of spaces that help sustain them.
Originally, the garden was supposed to be a group effort. I had several friends interested in the project, but unfortunately, their schedules became too hectic, leaving me to carry on alone. At first, this seemed daunting. I questioned whether I could manage it by myself—designing, planting, and caring for the garden was a lot of work. But my passion for the environment and belief in the importance of this garden gave me the determination to push through. I didn’t want to abandon a project I believed could make a real difference.
I started researching which wildflowers and native plants were best suited to attract butterflies and other pollinators. Plants such as milkweed, coneflowers, and mums quickly became staples in my plan. I also had to think carefully about the design. Since this garden would sit next to a larger garden, I had to be mindful of the space so it wouldn’t feel overwhelming or out of place. I sketched out several blueprints, ensuring that the layout would be aesthetically pleasing but practical—small enough to fit within the designated area yet large enough to make an impact.
What drove me even more was the thought of the kids at Hillside Elementary being able to interact with the garden. I wanted them to see firsthand the beauty of a butterfly garden and maybe even be inspired to help. Whether they’d end up planting their own flowers at home, helping out with school garden projects, or simply were introduced to the idea of how small actions can benefit the environment, it was all worth it. My hope was that this garden would not only provide a home for pollinators but also spark curiosity and foster a sense of responsibility for the environment in the younger generation.
By the end of the project, though the work was tough and the setbacks sometimes discouraging, I felt proud of what I had accomplished. The garden wasn’t just a place for butterflies—it became a symbol of perseverance.
Community Engagement (Outcome):
I plan to engage with the community to address the benefits of having a butterfly garden in close proximity to the elementary school, by posting which flowers I have installed in the garden, and their descriptions. I will explain how kids can build their own gardens at home, or take care of butterfly cocoons. I will do this by pasting a laminated sheet or sheets of paper to the tree next to my garden, and in case of storms I will make sure it is still up. I want to continually check up on my garden, which is why I haven’t used up my entire budget, so I still have money to make reforms to replace a plant if it dies, or improve my garden over time. Sadly, fall has come upon us, and my garden will not be flowering during the colder months; however, I’m hoping that in spring I can bring it back to life and allow my friends from the younger generations to take over. I am a part of the Hastings K.I.D.S board, which is a community based club in my school, allowing me to tell my fellow classmates about the project, and through the club, I can host environmental events to educate the community about the benefits of having a butterfly garden at home.
Impact:
A butterfly garden in the community promotes biodiversity by attracting essential pollinators like butterflies, bees, and birds, which support healthy ecosystems and plant life. It also serves as an educational tool, especially for children, teaching them about the importance of pollinators and environmental stewardship. These gardens beautify public spaces, providing a peaceful retreat that enhances the well-being of residents. Additionally, they support local food systems by aiding in pollination and create habitats for various wildlife, contributing to ecological balance. Overall, butterfly gardens inspire greater involvement in conservation efforts and foster a deeper connection with nature.
How-to Steps:
Identified a location: I chose a spot that was visible to the public but not so large that it would overshadow the existing Hillside Garden. The area needed to be inviting but subtle.
Tilled the land: I broke up and turned over the soil to prepare it for planting. This was essential to make sure the soil was loose enough for the roots of new plants to take hold.
Multiple trips to Home Depot: I made several trips over time to gather tools, bricks for the garden’s border, and flowers ideal for pollinators. I couldn’t get everything in one go, so this was a recurring task.
Placed bricks: I laid bricks around the perimeter of the garden to create a defined border. This gave the garden structure and kept the soil and mulch in place.
Planted flowers: I dug into the soil and carefully placed the plants, paying attention to the layout I had designed. I chose flowers that would attract butterflies and bees to ensure they would thrive.
Went to Michaels: I bought butterfly décor and supplies to craft a custom sign. I painted the sign myself, adding bright colors and creative touches that would attract kids' attention.
Added mulch: I spread mulch around the plants to retain moisture and keep weeds from growing. This step is important for keeping the garden healthy and low-maintenance.
Installed the sign: I set up my handcrafted sign and placed the butterfly decorations to give the garden a personal, welcoming feel.
Maintaining the garden: Over time, I added more flowers to fill in empty spots, cared for any plants that were struggling, and enjoyed seeing which pollinators—like butterflies and bees—started to visit the garden. It became a living part of the community.
Outputs by the number:
57 In by 60 In: length/width of the brick boundary
23 blocks to surround my current 12 flowers
4 large bags of mulch to cover the top of my open soil
I researched, purchased, and planted 15 plants in total. 3 died over the course of time, which I replanted
