Project name: Flatlander Pollinator Pots
County: Walsh
Project Coordinator: Jamie Medbery and Heather Szklarski
Lead Organization: NDSU Extension – Walsh County
Address: 101 County Road 12B
Park River, ND 58270
Telephone: 701.284.6624Email:
Location of Garden: Pots will be placed in various locations in Grafton and Minto
- Briefly describe your garden project including its major goals. Please include a description of activities. (150 words or less)
Youth from the Walsh County Flatlanders 4-H club will plant and maintain pollinator friendly flower & herb pots. The pots will be placed at various locations in Grafton and Minto, both in Walsh County.
Youth will learn what pollinators are and their importance. Participants will also learn about the connection between pollinators and the food we eat. Youth will also learn what to include (and exclude) from a pollinator pot or pollinator garden. Youth will learn the difference between perennials and annuals and their specific benefits to pollinators. Additionally youth will learn about wise pesticide use.
- How will your project make a difference to itschildren? (150 words or less)
Flatlander 4-H youth have expressed an interest in learning more about horticulture and a desire for a community service project. The pollinator pots project will allow them to meet both desired goals. Our main goal with this project is teach youth the importance of pollinators. With this knowledge we hope to create a desire in them to protect and provide safe, suitable spaces for pollinators now and in the future.
Through the pollinator pots project, youth will be engaged with the education and care of the pots this spring, summer and early fall. Participation will create a sense of self-esteem among the youth because they will be a part of something larger than themselves. Youth will have a positive experience with friends and adults. They will learn a sense of service and responsibility.
- How will your project make a difference in your community? (150 words or less)
Youth will have the opportunity to take their knowledge on pollinator pots and share that information with their communities. Youth will create and foster relationships with area community businesses and individuals as they place and care for their pots. Participants will also help maintain the Master Gardener pollinator garden currently in Grafton. The visibility of the youth and the pollinator pots will provide educational opportunity for community members. One goal with this project is to spark an interest in the Grafton and Minto communities for pollinator conservation. The local newspaper has been a strong supporter of youth programs and will be invited to journal the education and progress of this project.
- Please estimate the number of participants directly involved in the project:
Young children (3–12 years old): 20
Teens (13–17 years old): 5
Adults: 7
- Briefly list any partners (such as 4-H, FFA, school, church, garden center, parks department) that are involved.Briefly describe their roles in the project.Be very brief.
- The Flatlanders 4-H club youth will plant and maintain the pollinator pots.
- Heather Szklarski, a local Master Gardener, will provide the education pieces to the participants.
- Local businesses will provide the locations for the pots and help with maintenance.
- Budget
Expenditures Amount
Containers & potting soil $450
Transplants 400
Seeds 50
Classroom materials 50
Gardening equipment 50
TOTAL$1,000