The Green Valley Project (GVP), an initiative of The C.R.E.W, saw a productive discussion at the beginning of the new year involving GVP Project Manager Tara, Scott, and his team from Local Flora Landscapes, along with the Humane Education for Youth (H.E.Y) department at HSVC. The discussion centered around the health and condition of the pollinator garden situated prominently in front of the shelter property on Bryant Street. The Pollinator Garden Project at HSVC commenced two years ago intending to attract more pollinators to the 4.4-acre shelter property in Ojai. 

As the garden reached its second anniversary, there was a remarkable synergy in collaboration. We were brought together for a common goal of transforming this garden. We all want to enhance its health and foster the growth of more flowering native plants to attract a greater number of pollinators in our local communities. This garden benefits all living beings including our animal companions.  

Over the last two years, the garden has experienced various challenges, including issues like weed overgrowth, insufficient water infrastructure, and ground squirrels feasting on native plants. Despite these obstacles, there is optimism that through collaborative efforts, the garden will thrive and become the exceptional native plant-pollinating paradise it was intended to be. 

 If you would like more information about the Pollinator Garden Project or garden volunteering, please contact me, Angie Chupek Sagliani, Humane Educator, at [email protected].