UPDATE: A hands-on workshop on growing native plants for at-risk pollinators is set for January 24, 2026, in Clinton, Massachusetts. The Bigelow Free Public Library will host this urgent initiative from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., welcoming community members to learn how to transform recycled milk jugs into outdoor seed planters.
Led by experienced native pollinator garden installers Freddie Gillespie and Giancarla Kalpas from Rauscher Farm, the workshop titled “Native Plants: A Winter Sow Workshop” offers a unique opportunity to support local ecosystems. Participants will sow seeds in translucent gallon milk jugs, which will be placed outside during the winter. The natural freeze and thaw cycles will help the seeds break dormancy, leading to flourishing native plants by spring.
“Most native plant seeds have co-evolved with New England weather patterns and require winter conditions to grow,” Gillespie stated. This method is not only easy and affordable but also vital for nurturing our most vulnerable pollinators.
The seeds provided are meticulously selected from research conducted by Dr. Robert Gegear, an expert from UMass Dartmouth on the relationship between native plants and pollinators. His insights help shape the offerings at Rauscher Farm’s Pollinator Meadow Nursery Garden.
Kalpas emphasizes that “No gardening experience is necessary.” Participants will receive step-by-step instructions and often leave with extra seedlings to share, making this a perfect opportunity for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.
To participate, attendees should bring 2 to 4 clean, translucent gallon milk jugs (caps removed), scissors, a box cutter or X-Acto knife, small towels for cleanup, and empty yogurt containers for labels. Optional items include an apron and a cordless drill with a 1/4-inch bit.
Space is limited to 20 participants, and registration is required. Volunteers to assist with cleanup are also welcome, fostering a sense of community engagement.
Rauscher Farm, a cherished 62-acre expanse of open fields and woodlands, has been preserved as one of Clinton’s last large open spaces. The property, now under the stewardship of the town following its purchase in June 2008, continues to offer visitors a chance to connect with nature.
“Today, visitors can experience the farm’s natural beauty and serenity across a range of landscapes, including grasslands, wetlands, woodlands, and shoreline access to Clamshell Pond,” said Gloria Parkinson, chair of the volunteer Rauscher Farm Management Subcommittee. Each landscape showcases rich ecological diversity, making it a vital resource for the community.
For registration details and more information, visit the library’s website at bigelowlibrary.org or call 978-365-4160. For direct access to workshop registration and details on Rauscher Farm, check their website at rauscherfarm.org.
Don’t miss this chance to contribute to the environment while learning valuable gardening skills!
