Salisbury’s environmental committee, called the Green Team, has secured $20,000 in grant money to develop more pollinator-friendly spaces throughout the community.
The money will fund a comprehensive program designed to boost public awareness and create demonstration gardens that support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in the area.
These crucial species play a vital role in maintaining healthy environments and supporting food systems, but their numbers continue to drop. The local project seeks to combat this decline by establishing additional native plant gardens and natural meadows on municipal, commercial, and private properties. A renewed Lower Shore Pollinator Habitat Certified program will monitor these locations and promote community involvement.
Mayor Randy Taylor noted that this program demonstrates the city’s dedication to environmental responsibility and resident participation.
Speaking about the grant’s impact, Mayor Taylor stated, “By expanding habitats like these, The City of Salisbury is not only supporting biodiversity but also creating greener, healthier spaces for our residents.”
The project will include several major elements:
• Establishing three to five new pollinator gardens in prominent community locations
• Creating and sharing educational resources in multiple languages
• Organizing at least twelve community events, including group planting activities
• Placing identification signs at garden demonstration areas
• Marketing the program via social platforms, news outlets, and community presentations
Several local organizations are collaborating on this project, including Lower Shore Land Trust, Wicomico Public Library, Youth Environmental Action, Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County, Assateague Coastal Trust, and Fenix Youth Project.
These pollinator-friendly spaces offer multiple benefits beyond supporting wildlife, including better soil quality, decreased storm water problems, and attractive outdoor areas for community members and tourists. The program encourages participation from property owners, local businesses, and young people to foster environmental responsibility and ensure fair access to natural spaces.
