Pollinator Paradise!!
A Community Action Native Garden sponsored by Preserve Grayson
In June of 2025, Preserve Grayson applied for a Hope Grant from the Wellspring Foundation of Virginia to develop a Pollinator Garden on the grounds of the 1908 Courthouse in Grayson County, Virginia. Our goal was to bring together sixth grade students from the local middle school to educate and engage them in learning about the importance of pollinators and in planting the garden. Further, we hoped to foster a greater sense of connectivity with other organizations supporting pollinator ecosystems in our community. And, finally, we endeavored to enhance the grounds of the 1908 Courthouse and the natural beauty and heritage of Grayson County.
After being awarded the Grant, we began our work. Choosing a site, preparing the beds, researching native plants, and finally putting together an educational plan for our sixth grade classes. In May of 2026, we entered the classrooms with educational materials and fun, engaging activities for the students. This was followed by a field trip to the garden to plant the garden! Over 40 enthusiastic students celebrated afterwards with games and prizes.
Going forward, we follow this year's success with two more years, teaching other 6th graders and locating two additional gardens.
Pollinator Paradise is begun.
Bepe Kafka and Deb Grief take a break after a morning of mulching! They have been instrumental in the garden's success!
Pollinator Paradise is begun.
Our Story
Preserve Grayson was formed as an outcry over the massive influx of industrial scale agriculture in the beautiful farming valley of Elk Creek, Grayson County, Southwest Virginia. In the years that have followed these ongoing changes, we have sought to preserve and protect the land we so cherish. As Pollinators continue to dwindle as a result of these changes, we seek to educate the next generation on the importance of these very creatures, the ecosystems in which we all coexist.