POCATELLO — Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust and Marshall Public Library are partnering to bring a native plant garden to the community, creating habitat for pollinators and wildlife in the heart of Pocatello.
The garden will be located along the south side of Marshall Public Library and will feature a variety of native plants selected for their value to birds, bees and butterflies.
“We are so happy to partner with Sagebrush Steppe to provide an opportunity for people to learn to recognize native plants,” said Kathryn Lopez Luker, children’s librarian at Marshall Public Library. “We are also glad for this chance to bring a little more beauty to Pocatello. The library is the perfect place for this native plant garden, and we are glad to team up with an organization interested in helping others for generations to come.”
The project is part of Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust’s Habitat Haven initiative, which encourages community members to create small-scale wildlife habitat in their own yards, patios and other outdoor spaces. By planting native, pollinator-friendly species, Habitat Haven participants can provide food and shelter for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, birds, and other wildlife while helping support biodiversity and healthier ecosystems.
“This garden is a really tangible example of what Habitat Haven is all about,” said Carly Flandro, communications coordinator for Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust. “You don’t need hundreds of acres to make a difference for wildlife. A handful of native plants in the right place can provide habitat, help pollinators and give people an opportunity to connect with the natural world. And because this garden is at the library, we hope it can be a place where people can see those benefits for themselves.”
Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust is funding the garden and coordinating volunteer efforts for its installation and maintenance, while Marshall Public Library is providing the space and assisting with its upkeep.
“Partnerships like this are one of our favorite ways to do conservation,” Flandro said. “Marshall Public Library already serves as a place for people to learn and connect, and now we get to add a little bit of habitat to that mix. It’s a small project, but we think it can have a big impact.”
Volunteers have already begun preparing the garden bed; the next step will be planting the native species on Sept. 22 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Fall is an ideal time to plant many native species. Cooler temperatures and fall moisture give young plants time to establish their roots before spring, helping them get a strong start next year.
“We’re excited to watch this garden grow,” Flandro said. “We hope it becomes a place where people can see firsthand the positive impacts of a pollinator garden, and perhaps become inspired to learn more and create a Habitat Haven in their own spaces.”
Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting, connecting and enhancing wildlife habitat, working lands, and community spaces in Southeast Idaho, now and for future generations.
You can learn more about Habitat Haven at https://sagebrushlandtrust.org/service/habitat-haven/
For those interested in volunteering, please contact Carly Flandro at carly@sagebrushlandtrust.org.