By Miriam Meza –
Everyone dreams of making a difference in the world and leaving a legacy.
Did you know you can start making an impact in the world by attending an Aurora Public Library West Branch program? Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and small mammals all help pollinate the plants we eat, as well as many of the flowers we enjoy. In fact, one of every three bites of food we eat exists because of pollinators, and some of our pollinators are in trouble. You can help!
The “Bringing Native Pollinators to Your Garden” program will be at the Aurora Public Library West Branch from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 11. Visitors can learn about native pollinators in our northern Illinois area, how they are being depleted, and what you can do in your yard to make a difference.
Susan Werner, a master gardener from the University of Illinois Extension Service, will teach us about ways pollinators are threatened by habitat loss, disease, and the excessive and inappropriate use of pesticides. She will be available to answer questions and provide expert help.
Master gardeners receive extensive training in horticulture and other topics. In exchange for that education, they volunteer 60 hours to share their knowledge with the community. For more information on master gardeners visit their website at web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/kanemg.
Not only will you find ways to prevent the endangerment of pollinators, but ways to nurture them. You’ll find out about the flowers they are attracted to and how to care for them. You’ll come away knowing how to help native pollinators while making your yard more attractive.
Janet Stephens, reference and programming manager at West Branch, said, “Planting native flowers, watching the wildlife they attract, and knowing that you are doing something to help pollinators can be both fun and rewarding!”
So, join us in learning ways to help pollinators, make a difference in the world, and at the very least learn some new ways to make your garden look good! Happy Spring!
Miriam Meza is communications manager for Aurora Public Library.