URGENT UPDATE: A hands-on workshop aimed at growing native plants to support at-risk pollinators is set for Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bigelow Free Public Library in Clinton, MA. This exciting initiative, led by experienced pollinator garden installers Freddie Gillespie and Giancarla Kalpas from Rauscher Farm, invites community members to participate in a unique winter sowing method.
Participants will transform recycled milk jugs into seed planters, taking them home to place outside during winter. As temperatures fluctuate between freezing and thawing, the seeds will break dormancy and thrive by spring. This method is crucial for nurturing native plants, which are essential for the survival of vulnerable pollinator species.
Freddie Gillespie emphasizes the importance of this approach: “Most native plant seeds have co-evolved with New England weather patterns and require winter conditions to grow. Winter sowing is an easy, affordable way to create beautiful gardens while helping our most vulnerable pollinators.”
The workshop will provide seeds selected from the research of Dr. Robert Gegear, a recognized expert on the relationship between native plants and pollinators. Dr. Gegear advises the Rauscher Farm Pollinator Meadow Nursery Garden, ensuring that all seeds offered are based on extensive research.
No gardening experience is necessary, and participants are encouraged to come prepared with 2 to 4 clean, translucent gallon milk jugs (with caps removed), scissors, and small towels for cleanup. Optional items include an apron and a cordless drill.
Space is limited to 20 participants, and registration is required. Volunteers for cleanup are also welcome. This opportunity not only promotes environmental stewardship but also fosters community engagement.
Rauscher Farm, a preserved 62-acre space with rich ecological diversity, has been a cornerstone of the Clinton community. With scenic landscapes and shoreline access to Clamshell Pond, it serves as an educational hub for sustainable practices.
For more information and to register, visit the library’s website at bigelowlibrary.org or call 978-365-4160. For details on Rauscher Farm and direct workshop registration, check rauscherfarm.org.
Join this vital initiative to help nurture our planet’s pollinators and cultivate your gardening skills! Don’t miss out—register now!
