The Washington County Master Gardeners will host a free Pollinator Palooza on Saturday, September 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center at 7303 Sharpsburg Pike in Boonsboro.
In a dozen tents at four Master Gardener teaching gardens, guests will learn why pollinators such as bees and butterflies are important and how to protect them.
Visitors will learn how to choose plants to attract pollinators, make a bee hotel, build healthy soil, make compost, create a lasagna garden and appreciate heirloom and native plants.
Master Gardeners will offer free garden talks, tours, a scavenger hunt, and pollinator crafts for children including pollinator seed bombs, painted rocks and make-and-take caterpillars and butterflies.
The University of Maryland’s traveling insect zoo will also give visitors a chance to get up close and personal with some interesting insects for hands-on learning.
Master Gardeners and representatives from the Monarch Alliance, Potomac Valley Audubon Society, Washington County Beekeepers Association, Sierra Club, Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ forestry division, Antietam-Conococheague Watershed Alliance, Washington County Soil Conservation District, C & O Canal Trust and Washington County 4-H will have educational displays.
Native pollinator plants will be for sale with the proceeds benefiting the educational programs of the Master Gardeners. Quantities are limited. Cash or check only.
The Rural Heritage Museum and historic village also will be open during the event.
Volunteer educators with the University of Maryland Extension, Master Gardeners teach people safe, effective gardening practices that build healthy gardens and communities. They give educational talks, create teaching gardens, offer therapeutic horticulture programs, recognize Bay-Wise landscapes and host information booths at community events.
For more information on the Master Gardener program, contact Annette Cormany at [email protected] or 301-791-1604.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, contact your local University of Maryland Extension Office at 301-791-1604 or [email protected].
