OutdoorNebraska

4 O ver the summer of 2018, a new pollinator garden, called the Bumble Bee Project, bloomed in Holdrege, Nebraska. Then high school student Christine McCormick created this pollinator haven through a Youth Engaged in Leading Phelps (YELP) County project. McCormick wanted her project to reflect her interests in pollinators, education and the arts and sciences so she create a flower garden that not only benefited pollinators, but also functioned to educate the public about pollinators. After identifying a neglected garden space at South Park in Holdrege and gaining approval and support of city officials to use the area, she took to social media creating a Bumble Bee Project Instagram and Facebook page to inform local citizens about the project. McCormick also received a small grant from the Nebraska Game and Park Commission's Watchable Wildlife Grant Program to help fund the project. Early last summer, McCormick began work on the garden, clearing the space of weeds and putting in native plants. She added an interpretative sign and plant labels to help inform visitors and gave programs at local events and schools to promote her project. During the heat of summer, McCormick could be seen working in the garden along with volunteers. In response to her work, pollinators were busy buzzing, fluttering, and scuttling about the garden, aiding in the reproduction of the plants. Insect visitors included monarchs, eastern tiger-swallowtails, hummingbird moths, beetles, bees and others. Though the garden has been a success providing pollinator habitat and educating the public, its biggest achievement might be that one person identified a need, created a plan, recruited help, and created a natural space. In the words of Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Community driven conservation projects, such as the Bumble Bee Project, are vital in providing habitat for Nebraska's wildlife. Recently, McCormick moved away from Holdrege for college where she will major in environmental studies. Before leaving, she lined up volunteers to manage the garden in her absence. When asked about the Bumble Bee Project, McCormick said, "I hope that by 'planting a seed' I have spread awareness about the value of Nebraska's wonderful pollinators and encouraged others to start gardens of their own." ✔ The Bumble Bee Project a pollinator garden PHOTO BY ALIE MAYES By Alie Mayes, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Watchable Wildlife Biologist Christine McCormick at the pollinator garden she created in Holdrege, Nebraska. A painted lady sips nectar from a flower at the Bumble Bee Project pollinator garden.

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