Teenagers participating in the MPRB's summer youth employment and training program will help care for the pollinator habitat. This was a major factor when designing the project. Instead of a complex prairie planting, a simplified plant palette will feature blooms from spring to fall and be planted in large color blocks. This approach will make it easier for teenagers to identify desirable plant species and feel more confident while weeding. Teens will participate in community science work - such as the Backyard Bumble Bee Count - learn to use iNaturalist and discover the actions they can take at home to benefit pollinators. Enhancing Onsite Education The project also includes enhancement of onsite interpretation. A primary focus will be the park's shipping container, which stores a fleet of bikes and helmets that neighborhood children and youth may use for free. The shipping container will feature large-scale photo banners highlighting native plants and pollinators, as well as the importance of pollinators - especially in their caterpillar state - to nourish baby birds. Did you know it takes 6,000 to 9,000 caterpillars to raise a single clutch of chickadees? In addition to onsite interpretation, MPRB Environmental Education staff are excited at the prospect of readily accessible pollinator habitat to feature as part of Drop-In Discovery (DID). DID programs are led by a naturalist who engages any youth playing in the park in nature-based investigation. These are free programs, and no registration is required so that all children may participate. This style of program is ideal for park spaces that do not have a staffed building or regular programming. Guided exploration of the pollinator habitat will help children foster wonder and curiosity about nature and help us grow the next generation of park stewards. MaryLynn Pulscher is Manager of Environmental Education and Youth Employment at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (mpulscher@ minneapolisparks.org). PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | MARCH 2 0 2 4 | Parks & Recreation 27http://poligon.com