RePollinate AACO 2024 Update
Two of our Watershed Stewards, Kathy Lough (Class 15) and Lauren Toomey (Class 13), had the privilege of supporting the interagency FWS/USGS Wild Beelab at the Philadelphia Flower Show. During the evening when the bee experts were gone, they were able to call themselves the "B team" since the "A team" was away.
RePollinate AACO is well-positioned as we enter 2024. Thanks to the contributions of both AACO Master Gardeners and the Watershed Steward Academy, we have an ample supply of soil, pots, labels, and markers. Additionally, there will be an abundance of seedlings available. AACO has already sowed 42 flats of native seeds, complementing the hoophouse full of flats sowed by the Beelab. RePollinate will also utilize seedling quarts currently available from Bonnaterra.
The priorities and approach for RePollinate in 2024 will focus on strong collaborative efforts with AACO Recreation and Parks (R&P). This includes an emphasis on biodiversity and the addition of shrubs using materials from Bonnaterra. Furthermore, community groups slated to receive plants in the fall will be encouraged to gather volunteers for transplanting seedlings. This can occur either at the beelab on Thursdays and Saturdays, or at a potential satellite site within the AACO R&P system, to be announced.
If you would like to be on the distribution list for the beelab, email lauren_toomey@hotmail.com.