Funding provided by the National Recreation and Park Association and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation
Chicago, IL - The Chicago Park District was recently awarded $3,500 in grant funding as part of the national “Parks for Pollinators” campaign, which is aimed at raising public awareness of pollinator decline and encouraging local action through public parks and recreation. Provided by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, the funding will support on-the-ground research that will aid in understanding the public’s perception of the pollinator crisis.
“We are grateful to the National Recreation and Park Association as well as The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation for this award and for raising awareness about the vital role that pollinators play in our local parks,” said Chicago Park District CEO & Superintendent. “Chicago’s parks are home to a wide diversity of flora and fauna that contribute immensely to the existence of our natural landscapes.”
“Public parks everywhere play an increasing role in addressing pollinator decline,” said Lori Robertson, NRPA director of conservation. “Thanks to the generosity of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, this new campaign will strengthen the work our agencies do to educate the public about the important role pollinators play in our daily lives and inspire individuals to take action.”
“Local park and recreation centers are an ideal place to engage, educate and help more people to get involved in the creation of pollinator habitat in their communities and in their own backyards through pollinator gardens,” said Jim King, president of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation. “Parks can also provide a much-needed corridor of protected land for habitat creation, especially in urban areas.”
The Park District will administer a survey to garner public input at a number of gardening events and workshops throughout the summer, including Natural Areas stewardship workdays. Individuals may also learn more about the initiative during programming at Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse, Nature Play Spaces and the Community Roots Demonstration Garden at Skinner Park, as well as other park locations. The survey will also be available online at www.surveygizmo.com.
According to a recent poll conducted by NRPA, nearly all Americans agree that promoting pollinator health should be a conservation priority across the United States. Promoting pollinator health includes protecting against the decline and death of pollinators, such as honey bees and other insects, and increasing their habitat.
To learn more about Parks for Pollinators, visit www.nrpa.org/parks4pollinators.
To learn more about NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org.