Our Natural Resources Educator, Wade Moder, partnered with Dane County Land and Water to host 90-minute Native Garden Design Workshops for neighborhood associations, gardening clubs, first-time home buyers, and the general public. Participants use 3D-printed plant tokens that show plant size, bloom time, and color to design native pollinator gardens, making planning more approachable and interactive. Each attendee leaves with a completed garden plan, a folder of resources, and increased confidence to plant native gardens independently.

Pollinator populations are declining and many residents want to help, but feel unsure where to start. Choosing plants, preparing a site, and maintaining a garden can feel intimidating. The workshops break down these barriers while providing optional one-on-one guidance for those who need it.

Workshops have been held across Dane County with partners including Sheridan Triangle Neighborhood Association, Sustainable Stoughton, Urban League of Madison, and Wisconsin EcoLatinos. Surveys show that prior to the workshop, 80% of participants felt only slightly or not confident selecting plants, and 80% were apprehensive about preparing a garden. After attending, 60% felt very confident choosing plants, 30% moderately confident, and 60% felt ready to prepare a site. Overall, 90% reported reduced overwhelm, with follow-up this summer planned to track garden implementation and improve future workshops.

For more information on this project, contact Wade Moder, Natural Resources Educator.