Village of Howard project supported by Packerland Sunrise Rotary Club, Cellcom and Green Bay Packer Foundation
Howard, WI (May 10, 2023) – The Village of Howard is taking the next steps to add pollinator-friendly spaces at Meadowbrook Park. On May 13, volunteers led by the Packerland Sunrise Rotary Club will be spreading the seed in the new pollinator spaces that were cleared of invasive species last fall by grazing goats. The project was funded by donations from Cellcom and the Green Bay Packers Foundation.
“Pollinators are vital to sustaining healthy ecosystems that support everything from the food we eat to clean air to stable soils. With research showing that pollinator populations are on the decline, we need to do what we can to prevent further loss. The village of Howard is taking action and hoping to further inspire our residents and other communities, as well,” said Paul Evert, Village of Howard Administrator. “We’re grateful for support from community partners include the Packerland Sunrise Rotary Club, Cellcom and the Green Bay Packers Foundation.”
Cellcom donated funds for the initial clearing of the space, which was completed by goats last fall to limit negative environmental impact of the project. Goats graze as a herd and are known to eat almost anything within the confines of a fenced in area. This includes invasive, hard-to-eliminate plants like Canada goldenrod and buckthorn that are present in Meadowbrook Park. The restoration grazing service meant no gas-powered heavy equipment or herbicides.
This weekend, volunteers will tackle the next step of spreading the seeds, which were purchased thanks to a grant from the Green Bay Packers Foundation. Pollinator projects take time to reach full growth, however, residents should enjoy some first-year flowers–and the pollinators they attract—this year.
“This project will beautify and make use of vacant land within Meadowbrook Park that would otherwise not see much attention. We hope residents will stop down and see the space as it grows and consider adding natural landscaping at their homes and businesses in the future,” said Evert. “While we are in the midst of No Mow May, which is a great start for our pollinators until other plants bloom, natural landscaping allows for longer-term pollinator support.”
To support residential pollinator projects, Brown County Land & Water Conservation has pollinator seed mix available for purchase along with a resource guide from Brown County UW-Extension. The seed mix is available at their office at 2019 Technology Way, Ste. 104, Green Bay between 7:00AM-3:30PM. The packet will cover up to 1000 square feet for $15. The office can be reached at 920-391-4637.
Media Contact:
Tammy VanDenBusch
Communications Manager
(920) 617-7107
Cindy Durand
Senior Director of Marketing Communications
(920) 617-7069
