Institute for Applied Ecology

Purpose of Award (summary of the Goals and Objectives of the Project):the Purpose of This Project Is to Train Park Staff and Engage Volunteers in Designing and Installing a Pollinator Garden and Enhancing Interpretive Experiences Along an Ada Accessible Pathway Near the Red Hills Visitor Center in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park. the Project Will Improve the Visitor Experience While Educating Visitors on the Importance of Pollinators and Activities They Can for Pollinators in Their Own Yards. the Pollinator Garden Will Employ Small-scale, Passive Water Harvesting Techniques and Include Native Flowers That Will Attract a Wide Array of Pollinators. the Project Will Engage Youth, Especially JR. Rangers, Next Gen Ranger Interns and Other Diverse Local Youth, Who Will Help Build the Garden. We Will Develop Interpretive Such as Traditionally Significant Plants for Local Indigenous Tribes, and Water Smart Planting Techniques for Climate Resilience.summary of Project Specific ACTIVITIES:1)DESIGN a Demonstration Pollinator Garden Next to the Tucson Mountain District Visitor Center That Meets the Goals and Objectives of the Project 2)INSTALL the Garden Using Youth Volunteers From the Local Area 3)DEVELOP Interpretive Signs for the Garden Based on Themes Established by the Park AND4)MAINTAIN and Enhance the Garden During the First Year With a Goal of 70 Plant Survival. Performance Goals Including Milestones and Expected OUTCOMES:1.INITIAL Meeting Pollinator Garden Design Charette Provision of Training Materials Completion of Garden Design That Includes Paths and Plant Locations 2.REVIEW of Plan for Installation of Irrigation System, Plants, and Fences to Exclude Wildlife Assist and Educate Youth During Minimum of 3 Volunteer Events 3.REVIEW of Success of Initial Plantings and Installation of Interpretive Signs 4.ADDITIONAL Recommendations for Plantings Prior to Winter AND5.REVIEW of Park Staff Plans and Maintenance Schedule to Ensure Success of Plants and Use of Garden by Pollinators and Visitors by Spring 2024.BENEFICIARIES: Benefits Will Be to Park Visitors, Including People With Disabilities, Who Will Learn About the Value of Pollinators and Native Plants and How to Enhance Them in Their Homes. Other Benefits Will Be to Interns and Volunteers Who Will Gain Career Skills in Conservation Biology and Natural Resource Management.