Becoming a Certified Pollinator Steward & Growing the Duclay Forest Garden District
- Confluence Community
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 25
Pollinators are the quiet champions of our ecosystems — tirelessly working to support the growth of flowers, fruits, and plants that sustain our environment and communities. At Confluence Community, our passion for art, nature, and community engagement has always inspired us, we’ve long understood the importance of creating habitats that support essential pollinators and people. Participating in the Pollinator Stewardship Certification Program through Pollinator Partnership has helped deepen our knowledge and strengthen our commitment to this important work.
This program has been both an affirmation of what we know and a source of new insight. We've expanded our understanding of pollinator species, habitat design, and the challenges pollinators face. We especially loved the module on Indigenous practices, highlighting a way of life that prioritizes living in harmony with the land — knowledge that aligns with our own values of respecting natural ecosystems and encouraging community stewardship of our environment.
We've also learned more about the diverse species of bees, butterflies, moths, bats, and birds that contribute to pollination, as well as the complex relationships between these species and the plants they depend on. We’ve explored practical strategies for creating and maintaining pollinator-friendly environments, selecting the right native plants, and understanding the importance of habitat corridors.
Since last fall, we’ve been working closely with local HOAs in the Duclay Forest neighborhood to gain approval to use community land for pollinator gardens. It’s been a process of listening, collaborating, and navigating community dynamics, but we’re starting to gain some momentum! Alongside these efforts, we’ve hosted community events like our Friendsgiving in November, and we have even more gatherings planned throughout the spring and summer to bring people together, share knowledge, and build connections.
Our hope for the Duclay Forest Garden District is to create a space where people can learn about native plants, observe pollinators in action, and gain the knowledge and confidence to create their own gardens. These projects are designed to be places of education, inspiration, and connection.
As the program comes to an end soon, we’re excited to apply what we’ve learned to create a hands-on learning space for neighbors, volunteers, and community members interested in native and sustainable gardening. We hope to inspire a space where people can learn about pollinators, participate in citizen science projects, and develop a deeper appreciation for the essential role pollinators play in sustaining our environment.
We hope to continue building momentum, hosting more events, and expanding the impact of the Duclay Forest Garden District. We invite you to join us on this journey, whether as a volunteer, participant, or community partner. We look forward to sharing more about our progress. Stay tuned for more updates, and if you'd like to get involved, we'd love to hear from you!
Learn more about the Garden District: https://www.confluencecommunity.org/garden-district Explore project plans:
Be part of the action:
Upcoming Events:
Become a Sponsor and help fund these projects:
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