The first of two “Glorify Glasgow: Let’s Grow and Protect” events took place last Thursday with a total of 50 children and 16 adults helping to begin preparations for a pollinator habitat around the flagpole at Glasgow’s Town Hall, which will attract a diverse array of native bees.
The community service-based events for children are sponsored by the Local History Center of the Rockbridge Regional Library System.
Barbara Thomas, Master Gardener and team leader of Natural Bridge Elementary School Garden, facilitated the “Glorify Glasgow: Let’s Grow” event last week and highlighted the educational and technical side of planting. Nancy Stikes and Becky Herndon, both Master Gardeners, assisted the children.
The children also learned about seeds, soil and herbs. During the year, children will continue to water and care for the garden, making their community service year-round.
The second activity, “Glorify Glasgow: Let’s Protect,” will take place at Natural Bridge Elementary School this Thursday, June 11, at 1 p.m. Children will learn that bees are critical to a healthy environment, why they are important, and how they can help save them. They will make a bee hotel, a place where native bees can nest, to take home.
Both programs are an extension of the Local History Center’s Creative Power series.
“Glorify Glasgow” is a vital addition to this series, said Penny Dudley, manager of the Local History Center.
“Children learn the importance of community service, which fosters empathy, gratitude, and social responsibility while building character and self-esteem,” she said. “It helps children understand that their actions, no matter how small, can make a meaningful impact, transforming them into compassionate and engaged citizens.”
“Glorify Glasgow: Let’s Grow and Protect” is made possible through a grant from the Rockbridge Area Master Gardeners Association. Glasgow’s town staff and Council member Tom Camden were also instrumental in the success of the program, said Dudley.
ABOVE, Local History Center Manager Penny Dudley explains the life cycle of the bean plant. AT RIGHT, children listen to Master Gardener Barbara Thomas about the importance of preparing soil for planting. BELOW, Master Gardener Nancy Stikes helps children prepare soil for planting.
CHILDREN participating in last week’s “Glorify Glasgow” event took home seeds in a peat pot to further their learning and first-hand experience. Seeds were obtained from the Master Gardener seed library from the main library branch in Lexington. (all photos by Mary Woodson)
