Operation Pollination Aims to Improve Local Environment, Beautify Neighborhoods
Operation Pollination, a new initiative led by the Rotary Club of Youngstown in collaboration with the Mahoning County Land Bank and other partners, is kicking off this month at sites across Youngstown to cultivate vital pollinator habitats, simplify property maintenance and promote positive health outcomes.
Several properties on each of the four sides of Youngstown have been identified to launch the effort. Volunteers will prepare and seed each of the locations, ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 square feet, with native wildflowers supported by shred mulching.
The first Operation Pollination site will be unveiled at 10:30 a.m. on April 22, Earth Day, at the intersection of Ohio and Lauderdale avenues on the city’s North Side.
“The Land Bank’s native wildflower strategy will create vibrant green spaces that support positive health outcomes for all nearby residents—people, birds, bees and butterflies,” said Gary Davenport, project coordinator for the Land Bank. “It is a great kickoff to Operation Pollination’s partnership goal of supporting local wildlife with native plants.”
Elayne Bozick, Rotary Club of Youngstown board member, added, “The environment was added last year as Rotary’s seventh area of focus, which are categories of service activities supported by global Rotary Foundation grants. We believe that projects like Operation Pollination are critical, because pollinator habitats are disappearing faster than we can restore them. This timely collaboration brings a host of benefits, and we are hopeful that in the near future, other area Rotary clubs will join us in this meaningful work.”
Operation Pollination aims to promote the use of native flowers and plants that support local native wildlife and generally require much less mowing and maintenance. Landscaping based on native plants is also associated with less watering, better soil retention, reduced use of pesticides and fertilizers and a healthier environment, which, over the long term, can improve community health.
In addition to the Land Bank and Youngstown Rotary, Operation Pollination partners include MillCreek MetroParks, First Energy, the Mahoning Soil & Water Conservation District, the Rotary Club of Struthers and the Mahoning County OSU Extension’s Master Gardener program.
“The organizations and individuals involved all have a passion for the natural world and natural land management, which is why we are joining together to execute this initiative,” Davenport said. For more information, visit https://www.youngstownrotary.com/sitepage/operation-pollination.
Check out local news coverage at the links below:
WKBN-TV: Earth Day inspires Youngstown groups to plant wildflowers throughout city
Vindicator: Oasis of flowers will await bees
Business Journal: Youngstown Rotary, Land Bank Kick Off ‘Operation Pollination’