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Two Rivers Resource Conservation and Development Council purchased three raised bed pollinator gardens that have been installed in the courtyard at Hogansville Elementary School.

“Education is a major component of our work,” said Two Rivers executive director Dave Marler in a press release. “We are proud to partner with Principal Gina Turner, the faculty and staff at HES to introduce students to the benefits of pollinator gardens and provide the resources that allow hands-on learning experiences.”

During this past summer, fourth grade students at HES spent weeks learning about butterflies, bees and plant cycles.

The students also built the raised beds, planted the seeds and tended to the garden to create a welcoming environment for the insects.

When school began this year, the garden was in full bloom and the courtyard was filled with butterflies and bumblebees, Marler said.

Pollinator gardens provide essential habitats for bees, butterflies, moths and other pollinators. These insects are part of the intricate web that supports the biological diversity in natural ecosystems, and help to sustain all living things’ quality of life, Marler said.

Two Rivers provided the raised bed garden kits, soil, seeds and assorted tools needed to work in the gardens.

The donation was made possible with grant funding provided by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The organization also provided LaGrange Academy with a pollinator garden earlier this year.

Two Rivers serves 14 counties including Troup County and the four soil and water conservation districts in Lamar, Pine Mountain, Roosevelt and Towaliga.

“Our goal when we applied for the grant was to put five [pollinator garden] in each district,” Marler said.

“The idea is that [the gardens] are free and accessible for people to admire and learn from.”

Any schools or organizations who are interested in setting up a pollinator garden can contact Two Rivers at (706)-885-0101 or tworiversrcd@hotmail.com