Feb 27, 2023 – Overview of the Winter Sowing & Native Pollinator Plant Project:

Bethel Land Trust, devoted to increasing pollinator plants at the preserves, has been busy partnering with Bethel schools and the community to raise seedlings over the winter for spring planting at Franc Preserve. A simple method of planting seeds in a recycled...

Bethel Land Trust, devoted to increasing pollinator plants at the preserves, has been busy partnering with Bethel schools and the community to raise seedlings over the winter for spring planting at Franc Preserve. A simple method of planting seeds in a recycled jug and leaving it outdoors over the winter was used. Called simply “winter sowing”, it enables wildflower seeds to sprout at the same time as those in nature in a somewhat protected environment, while also providing the right environment for seeds that need cold moist winter conditions to germinate.

Bethel Land Trust coordinated with partners and provided supplies to plant over 150 jugs around town – and distributed additional seed packets – throughout January and into February. Seedlings will be planted at Franc Preserve in the spring.

Third Grade: The elementary school students did a wonderful job planting sixty jugs in January! Bethel Land Trust partnered with Kit Nielsen, K-8 STEM Instructional Coach, and Justin Mack, lead teacher for this project, to make this project a success. BLT contributed supplies, and Kit and Justin developed the plan around winter sowing for the entire third grade to participate during class time. The students formed groups and did a wonderful job planting sixty jugs in the classroom with the help of high school volunteers. The seed jugs are overwintering next to the elementary school pollinator garden which will be expanded with these seedlings in the spring. The children enjoyed lessons about local ecosystems and our very own Bethel Land Trust preserves. Justin shared “The kids are really enjoying the planting and the idea that they’re helping to save the world a little bit! They were pleasantly surprised to learn that some of their favorite places to hike or explore are part of Bethel Land Trust.” Seedlings will be planted in the spring at the school, and some will join us at Franc Preserve for planting, as well.