The Heritage Park Pollinator Garden was established in 2018 in partnership with the Town of Pulaski. Creating and maintaining this native plant garden helps support FOPC’s mission in several ways: by providing environmental education, watershed habitat enhancement, and aesthetic value for the public. Located in a public green space adjacent to Peak Creek and made up of native plants and flowers, the garden provides nectar, food, and/or a home for a wide range of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, birds, and other insects. An educational display identifies some pollinator visitors and helps explain the plants’ significance to the environment as to why pollinators are important to the ecosystem. We hope this project will increase the public’s understanding of the critical role the garden can play in reversing declining pollinator populations.

Special thanks go to retired Forest Ranger and Certified Master Naturalist Barb Walker. Barb is the Pandapas Pond Pollinator Garden Coordinator and played an important role as a consultant. The New River Valley Master Gardeners Association Pollinators provided direction as well along with a monetary grant to help us get started. Pulaski Greenhouse and Gardens supplied signage and guidance.

The Heritage Park Pollinator has over 30 native plant species and two bee habitats. Located in a public greenspace with picnic shelter and playground, the garden has many visitors throughout the year and is one of our most celebrated projects.. It is located on Dora Highway in Pulaski, VA. Coordinates are 37°02'39.6"N 80°45'42.3"W