Butterflies Take Flight at the Crofton Halloween Parade

​Crofton Village Garden Club members fluttered down the parade route today dressed as colorful butterflies, spreading awareness about the importance of pollinators in our environment. 

Marching in the parade were CVGC President Margo Antonelli, along with Laura Austin, Trish Lilek-Demers, Mary Ann Cannone, Littany Hollerbach, Jessica Kruse, Nancy Percivall, Sandy Robertson, Diane Smith, and Angela Wetzel.

Several of the club’s gardens are part of the Anne Arundel County Pollinator Pathway, where native plants provide vital habitat for butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. Adding a touch of fun to the parade, member Nancy Percivall’s husband, George, joined in as the butterfly catcher.

The club’s participation highlighted how small community efforts, like pollinator-friendly gardens, play a big role in supporting biodiversity and the health of local ecosystems.

Planting for Pollinators with Local Students

Members of the Crofton Village Garden Club recently met with Pollinator Pathway Project Chair Lauren Toomey at the BEE Lab in Laurel to pick up native plants that will support pollinators in our community. These plants are part of the RePollinate Anne Arundel program, an initiative that helps restore native habitats and increase food sources for pollinators across Maryland.

This fall, the plants will be used in two school garden projects. Member Littany Hollerbach will be working alongside the ECO Club at Crofton Woods Elementary School to plant and care for a pollinator-friendly garden on campus. At Crofton High School, member Laura Austin will partner with the Green Team to engage students in hands-on planting and stewardship.

​By introducing native plants, students will learn about the vital role pollinators play in our ecosystem while taking an active role in supporting biodiversity right in their own community. Whether enhancing an established pollinator garden or helping one take root, the RePollinate Anne Arundel program provides an excellent opportunity for youth to see how even small plantings can make a big difference for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

The Blue Star Memorial Garden and the Pollinator Garden at the Crofton Community Library are alive with activity this summer, buzzing with bees, butterflies, and other pollinators hard at work. Vibrant blooms of coneflower, yarrow, Joe Pye weed, and black-eyed Susan create a colorful haven that draws in countless winged visitors. These thriving gardens stand as a testament to our commitment to community beautification and environmental stewardship, providing food and shelter for pollinators while adding natural beauty for all to enjoy.

CVGC member Lauren Toomey has been recognized as the University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Volunteer of the Season, Fall 2024. Lauren was nominated by her coordinator, Maxine Yoon, because she has put in so much time and effort for the RePollinate project and has produced thousands of plants for many NPO's projects and restoration efforts.

Lauren joined the Master Gardener program in 2022 to connect with like-minded individuals in outside activities. She enjoys networking and the volunteer ethic of her fellow Master Gardeners. She's had many memorable experiences with them working hard and getting dirty at the Bee Lab. The Master Gardener program has been a strong support in helping launch and sustain RePollinate AACO. 

RePollinate is a joint effort between the Master Gardener Program, Anne Arundel Watershed Stewards, and the U.S. Geological Survey to grow and distribute straight native plant species. The native plant donation program aims to support communities in Anne Arundel County with their community greening and environmental efforts, resulting in the reintroduction of numerous genus and species vital to the counties ecological services. A primary goal is visibility and exposure that further introduces and educates residents to the natural beauty and importance of these native plant species in providing habitat for our many native pollinators.

Congratulations, Lauren!

Led by Pollinator Garden Co-Chair Littany Hollerbach, members are fresh and getting mentally prepared for the weeding of the Pollinator Garden located at the Crofton Community Library. Member Margo Antonelli just couldn't wait and dived right in. Thank you to Littany for organizing the clean-up and to members Nancy Percivall and guest Yuki Adams, Lauren Toomey, Margo Antonelli and Interim President Trish Demers (not pictured) for helping with the clean-up.