Woman's Club of Danbury/New Fairfield Supports RPMS Pollinator Garden

The Rogers Park Middle School (RPMS) Urban Wildlife Evolution Study has devoted part of its campus as an open space dedicated to the study, care and protection of our environment. Under the supervision of eighth grade science teacher, Mr. Bernardo DeCastro, RPMS students maintain a vegetable and pollinator garden in an after-school program. Starting from seedlings in the school's greenhouse, students plant seeds and greenhouse plants into a vegetable garden that was started in 2009 and continues to be tended by students today.

In May, the Environmental Committee of the WCDNF donated $2,000 to enlarge and enhance the pollinator garden. The money was raised by selling pollinator plants to WCDNF members, raffling off a garden basket and quilt plus recycling empty bottles and cans.

To enlarge the pollinator garden, RPMS students cleared a section of land of native invasive plants and replaced them with native pollinator plants. Pollinator plants attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds upon which 80% of our vegetables and flowers depend. A small wet land area, including nearby local ponds, will provide moisture for the insects and birds. The area will be marked by an official Pollinator Pathway sign, applied for and received by the WCDNF. It designates that the area has met and will maintain Pollinator Pathway standards.

This RPMS program is an important source of learning. It provides the students with hands-on practical knowledge and the experience of skills that enrich their understanding of the environment and how to protect it. Our congratulations to the administration and staff of RPMS for promoting this valuable program for its students and our community. The WCDNF is proud to support this program.