SA Pollinator Garden

Seniors enrolled in Honors Environmental Science with Amy Norris have recently resurrected the roof-deck garden located on the southwest side of Holcomb Hall. Since her appointment to the science department in 2018, Amy had always envisioned utilizing the space as a pollinator garden and extension to her classroom. She hopes to continue its build for use by additional courses such as Biology as an example in the ecology unit.

“I discovered the basic principles and purpose behind the project from environmental-based conferences and resources and really wanted to implement these concepts into our students’ learning,” she explains. “Students this year were responsible for planting and watering to establish its growth but we will later incorporate the garden into a conservation unit as a living lab, where students identify the organisms that arrive, examine why pollinators are important to any ecosystem, and discuss how this space benefits local ecosystems and farms.”

Amy adds, “The plants we chose are all native to Connecticut and attract a variety of species of insects and feathered friends including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. In the future, I expect that students will identify which pollinators are attracted to this area and research what other plants may be beneficial to incorporate into the garden. I see this as an excellent educational resource and valuable hands-on experience. The project is a wonderful way to investigate solutions in supporting threatened pollinators while adding something lasting to the Suffield community.”