•Lawn to be replaced at Afton Greys River Office, Thursday, June 20.
By SVI/B-T
The Bridger-Teton National Forest, in celebration of National Pollinator Week June 17-23, 2024, will install two pollinator gardens. The public is invited to join us and plant these native flowers and shrubs and learn a little bit about our local pollinators and how they help keep the Bridger-Teton healthy for a wide variety of plants and animals.
Pollinators play a vital role in ecosystem health, and the theme this year is “Vision 2040: Thriving ecosystems, economies, and agriculture.”
On Thursday, June 20, 2024, we will be replacing part of the lawn at the Greys River Ranger District Office at 671 N. Washington in Afton, Wyoming. On Friday, June 21, 2024, we will be replacing the nonnative plants at the Jackson Ranger District Office at 340 N. Cache in Jackson, Wyoming.
“It’s a great opportunity to celebrate pollinator week that involves getting your hands dirty and making a positive impact for pollinators with native plants and incorporating sustainable xeriscaping elements,” said Julie Cleveland, wildlife technician and communication specialist on the Greys River Ranger District. “Native plant gardens require less maintenance and water than nonnative gardens and lawns since they are adapted to the local climate. These gardens will also serve as an educational opportunity for visitors.”
These pollinator gardens projects were made possible by partners including Friends of the Bridger-Teton, Teton Botanical Gardens, Teton Conservation District, the Town of Afton, and more.
For each day, we will work in two sessions: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to work for one or both sessions. If you would like to sign up to volunteer, please contact Julie Cleveland at julie.cleveland@usda.gov or 307-886-5338. Volunteers are asked to arrive by 9:30 a.m. for the morning session or 12:45 p.m. for the afternoon session for a short briefing. We recommend you wear long sleeves, pants, a hat, and boots/shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring sunscreen, gardening gloves if you have them, water, snacks, and a lunch, or be prepared to pick up lunch somewhere nearby between 12 and 1 p.m.
For other information about the Bridger-Teton National Forest, call 307-739-5500, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/btnf, and follow the Bridger-Teton National Forest on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) @BridgerTetonNF.
