Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills works with village to install a new pollinator garden

LAKE IN THE HILLS — In a recent team-up, the Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills and the Village of Lake in the Hills worked together to install a new pollinator garden in Sunset Park (5200 Miller Road).

Back in February, Village President Ray Bogdanowski signed a Monarch Pledge proclamation to help promote the conservation of monarch butterflies and other pollinators, according to the club.

Last year, the Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills joined Operation Pollination, which has the same mission as that proclaimed by Bogdanowski and the village.

In May 2021, the club planted its inaugural garden in Algonquin and partnered with village officials who assisted in the project.

For the Sunset Park pollinator garden, individuals from both the Rotary Club and the Village of Lake in the Hills gathered to plant a 1,400 square foot garden full of native plants that were recommended by the Land Conservancy of McHenry County.

Bogdanowski was in attendance as well as Village Administrator Shannon Andrews, members of the Rotary Club, and several volunteers from the community.

Nearly 1,000 native plants were planted on-site, which the Rotary Club states will help support local pollinator species such as monarchs, bees, and hummingbirds.

The National Wildlife Foundation estimates that the monarch butterfly population has decreased by nearly 90% over recent decades as a result of habitat loss, increased use of pesticides, and climate change.

One method that residents can use to help save the monarch population and protect other pollinators is to create areas that increase their natural habitat.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources explains that adult butterflies prefer flowers that are flattened, forming a landing platform. Orange, red, or yellow flowers that are short-tubular in shape are the best for attracting butterflies.