Did you know, when you visit the Civic Center, that you can also visit the city’s own Pollinator Garden? Along the long center island in the south parking lot you can observe over 15 native species of plants that benefit pollinators, butterflies and even little birds that eat the plants’ seeds. Three species of milkweed, 3 species of aster, 2 species of goldenrod and other colorful and colorfully-named flowers like spiderwort, harebell, Wild bergamot, rough blazing star all call the island home.

Those plants, and others, large and small, provide nectar for pollinators from April through October. You can watch the plants for a myriad of tiny bees, bumblebees and maybe even butterflies buzzing around the plants. As long as you don’t try to grab them, they’ll leave you alone as they’d rather eat than sting you. Perhaps you can get some ideas of plants that you can add in your own yard, to add color and natural activity. In any case, the next time you’re at the Civic Center take a little time out from your day to take a stroll along the center island to see what you can see. It will be a welcome break in your day.