Pollinator Path!

Buzz Lab welcomes you to the Pollinator Path! We are excited to have you join us as we explore the importance of pollinators within our community. The Pollinator Path was developed by the 2021 Buzz Lab Interns and has been archived here on the website so many can enjoy! The Path ran from July 31st-October 31st and while many points are still open to visitors, a few have been removed. Through this Path, we ask that you observe what is around you, engage in conversations with those around you, and have fun!

We created the Pollinator Path which encourages you to visit a variety of sites to bring attention to pollinators and their loss of habitat, but also provides information on ways to help in big and small ways!

See our list of Pollinator Path Points to help guide your journey.

Intern Joshua compiled some information about the importance of pollinators, their habitats, and steps you can take to help!

1) A Story of a Bee and a Cherry Blossom

Alessa, Abigail, Cameron, Judy, Ky, Mora

Felt fabric, foam core board, thread, acrylic paint, pipe cleaner, beads, satin glove, rubber shrubbery.

"We hope to educate our community on the subject of dying pollinators, and the need to take action."

2) Pollinator Planting Box

Ian, Grace, and Joshua

At Downtown Fargo Library and The Sodbuster, or interns flexed their woodworking skills to build a planter box to house native plants. In addition to the plants, Grace sculpted a miniature person riding a lawn mower, calling back to our discussion with Shirley Nordrum that challenged the idea of the common practice of mass mowing.

Notice how little of space can make a big difference for pollinators!

3) Time’s Flying Away

Lydia and Jireh

Recycled materials (straws, cardboard, plastic bags, pop cans), yarn, pipe cleaners, acrylic, and tempera paint.

(no longer installed, as of Nov. 1, 2021)

In creating this piece, we are bringing awareness to the native species and how humanity has impacted their habitat over time.

4) BB

Sam and Danae

Recycled fabrics, plastic bags, cardboard.

(no longer installed, as of Nov. 1, 2021)

Our intent is to raise awareness of the Rusty Patch Bumblebee, a native species to our area that is currently endangered. We used recycled materials to construct this place to further the public’s understanding of their impact on the environment.

Check out information on the Rust Patched Bumble Bee https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/rpbb/

5) Oak Grove Park and Riverfront Park

Find the bridge that connects our two states and you can view local kayakers enjoying the Red River during the summer, pollinator friendly flowers, and maybe even a beaver!

These two parks create a beautiful space to enjoy and care for.

6) Woodlawn Park, Heritage Garden & Amphitheater

Like Oak Grove Park, Woodlawn is home to our frisbee golf community but with a special secret! The Heritage Garden & Amphitheater breaks up the space with beauty and habitat.

7) Rourke Art Museum & Stickgarden

Just across the way of the Rourke Art Museum, you can visit Stickgarden, a public art installation and pollinator garden space. Then, visit the Rourke Art Museum and their pollinator garden space!

8) Pressed Pollinator Plant Paper Collage

Paige

Handmade paper using recycled paper and coffee, pressed pollinator plants, biodegradable cord, adhesive.

(no longer installed, as of Nov. 1, 2021)

See both scientific (top) and common (bottom) names for each plant in the handmade paper. These are native plants that can be utilized in many gardens to bring back the habitat and food of our local, native pollinators.