Lake in the Hills Rotary creates pollinator garden with native plants at local library

On May 31, the Rotary club of Lake in the Hills planted their fifth pollinator garden at the Algonquin Area Library east branch.

The club removed an invasive ground cover from a large garden. In its place, they planted 423 native plants that will benefit all types of pollinators including monarchs, hummingbirds and native bees.

Over the last five years, the club has focused on one of the pillars of Rotary, the protection of the environment.

Given the severity of the loss of pollinators, it is of the utmost importance to do everything possible to reverse these losses and help restore their populations.

Seventy-five percent of our food comes from the efforts of the pollinators. The entire ecosystem is dependent on pollinators including the pollination of fruits and vegetables. Any pollinator garden, big or small, can help improve the population of this essential group.

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County assisted in choosing the appropriate native plants for this and the other four gardens the club has planted.

Native plants, including the numerous types of milkweed, thrive in almost all conditions and provide an environmentally friendly and beautiful garden for years to come. You can schedule a site consultation by going to conservemc.org.

The Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills obtains funds for this garden and other service projects throughout the year from the Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest which runs this year from July 10-13.

This event features music, ribs from across the country as well as other food choices from local vendors, a carnival and an interactive business expo.