URGENT UPDATE: A hands-on workshop aimed at boosting at-risk pollinator populations through winter planting is set to take place in Clinton, MA. The “Native Plants: A Winter Sow Workshop” will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bigelow Free Public Library.
Residents are invited to join experienced native pollinator garden installers Freddie Gillespie and Giancarla Kalpas from Rauscher Farm for this urgent initiative. Participants will learn how to convert recycled milk jugs into seed planters, enabling them to sow native plants during the winter months. This innovative method leverages natural temperature changes to break seed dormancy, ensuring that vibrant native plants flourish by spring.
“Most native plant seeds have co-evolved with New England weather patterns and require winter conditions to grow,” Gillespie stated. This workshop represents a crucial opportunity for community members to actively contribute to the survival of vulnerable pollinators.
The seeds provided come from vital research conducted by Dr. Robert Gegear, a leading expert at UMass Dartmouth on the intricate relationship between native plants and pollinators. This workshop not only empowers participants with the tools they need but also supports the ecological balance essential for our environment.
No prior gardening experience is required, making this workshop accessible to everyone. Kalpas emphasized,
“Participants will receive seeds and step-by-step instruction and often leave with extra seedlings to share.”
To participate, attendees should prepare by bringing 2 to 4 clean, translucent gallon milk jugs (with caps removed), scissors or box cutters, small towels for cleanup, and yogurt containers for labeling. Additional items like an apron and a cordless drill with a 1⁄4-inch bit are optional.
Space is limited to 20 participants, and registration is mandatory. Volunteers to assist with cleanup are welcome. This workshop is part of a broader mission to preserve the scenic beauty and ecological diversity of Rauscher Farm, a significant land preservation effort that spans 62 acres near Clamshell Pond.
For registration details, visit the library’s website at bigelowlibrary.org or call 978-365-4160. To learn more about Rauscher Farm and to directly access workshop registration, visit rauscherfarm.org.
Join this vital initiative to help nurture our local ecosystems and ensure a thriving environment for pollinators this spring!
