Media Coverage: WCAX / My NBC5 / Essex Reporter
On September 7, 2023, the partnership of Essex High School, Bee the Change, and the Rotary Club of Essex, VT took a big step by planting a one-third (1/3) acre pollinator garden on the library end of the high school building. The big step involves planting 200 perennial wildflower starts and spreading wildflower seeds that should bloom in the spring of 2024.
On planting day, about 20 students from the Advanced Placement Environment class at Essex High School got their hands and feet dirty by leading the effort. These students were joined by members of Essex Rotary. EHS science teacher Erin Bessy has academic plans for the garden going forward. With the help of Bee the Change founder Mike Kiernan, Erin’s classes and the Environmental Club will survey changes in the pollinator count due to wildflower plantings. The EHS site marks the first step in achieving the Bee the Changes' five-garden goal.