Norman to Celebrate New Pollinator Gardens at City Hall on September 24

The City of Norman and the Oklahoma Monarch Society (OMS) will celebrate the completion of new pollinator gardens at City Hall with a community celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on September 24 at Norman City Hall, 201 West Gray Street.

The free, family-friendly event will give residents an opportunity to explore the new gardens, learn about the importance of pollinators and discover simple ways to create wildlife-friendly landscapes at home.

Event activities will include free sno cones, free wildflower seed packets while supplies last, a DIY seed bomb station, garden design consultations and native plants available for purchase. Guests can create their own pollinator-friendly seed bombs to take home, receive advice on planning a sustainable landscape and learn more about native plants that support butterflies, bees and other pollinators.

"This event is part of Pathways for Pollinators & People, a partnership between the City of Norman and the Oklahoma Monarch Society that is focused on increasing pollinator habitat while providing opportunities for conservation, education and community engagement," said Michele Loudenback, Manager of the Division of Environmental Resilience and Sustainability. "The initiative builds on Norman's existing efforts to support pollinators, including cultivated gardens and natural spaces throughout the community."

The new City Hall gardens feature plants that provide food and shelter for pollinators, including milkweed, an important host plant for monarch butterflies. The project also includes educational signage and a monarch-themed mural designed by Oklahoma artist Rick Sinnett at City Hall.

To learn more about sustainability efforts and opportunities to get involved at the City of Norman, visit GreenNorman.org. To learn more about future City of Norman and Oklahoma Monarch Society partner events, visit Normanok.gov.

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