Council supports pollinator gardens

By Rob Vogt
The Town of Claresholm has sent a letter of support for the Oldman Watershed Council’s “Restoring Grasslands and Empowering Communities” project.
The decision came at council’s Oct. 23 meeting, after they reviewed a report from administration stating the Oldman Watershed Council is applying for a five-year grant to restore habitat for native bees, and is looking for partners who would be interested in planting pollinator gardens.
The Cuckoo Bumblebee was recognized as a species at risk in Claresholm in 2022, which has the potential to be devastating for this area.
The gardens would require some maintenance, so the program requires partners to help water the gardens. This could be at people’s homes, businesses, parks, schools and so on.
The grant would pay for all supplies and watershed council staff/volunteers to plant the gardens.
The gardens will require watering, and individuals who are interested in partaking in the program. The plant species planned for the gardens are drought resistant, and native species that can survive if watered in accordance with current water restrictions.
The watershed council has requested a letter of support for this partnership from the Town of Claresholm, and requested the town reach out to local businesses, organizations, and individuals who would like to participate.
Administration has identified areas of the town that could benefit from the gardens, and are interested in adding to existing gardens to ensure the maintenance of these sites can be maintained by staff or volunteers. Those areas are downtown Amundsen Park; the Bark Park, watered by Bark Park community volunteers; and the Fas Gas gardens.
It was noted administration could also reach out to local organizations and various business owners to determine if they would like to participate in this venture.
The grant application was due Oct. 31 and required a letter confirming partnership before that date.
Council then agreed to send the letter of support.