The idea for a pollinator garden came to Pastor Hyo-Jung one day in 2017 after she read an article about the steady decline of pollinators in the world and its effect on the environment, namely the production of food.
Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and other small mammals that pollinate plants are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food. They also sustain our ecosystems and produce our natural resources by helping plants reproduce. Plants provide us with fruits, vegetable and nuts. They prevent soil erosion and increase carbon sequestration.
The increase of habitat loss and fragmentation in our urban and suburban areas is contributing to the decline of pollinators. Habitat that pollinators need in order to survive are shrinking. They are losing food and nesting sites that are necessary for their survival.
Our pollinator garden is one effort to combat this problem and is part of the wider work of addressing the environmental problems that we are facing. Pollinators living in our small corner of the world find food and rest in our garden.
We hope that you will consider planting a pollinator garden where you live. It can be any size, on your windowsill, in your backyard or anywhere there is some soil. The pollinators simply need a place to feed and rest.
Jesus instructs us to follow the two greatest commandments: love God and love your neighbor as yourself. We invite you to expand your definition of “neighbor” and include pollinators and other animals in it.
In addition to tending the garden, the Green Ministry Team also organizes educational events.
On March 27, 2021, we had a webinar on “Calmly Plotting the Resurrection: When gardening is not just a metaphor.” There was a presentation and discussion environmental theology with the Rev. Donna Schaper, a UCC clergy and environmentalist.
On July 14, 2022, we held an in-person public talk on environmental justice. Our speaker was Jose German-Gomez, Founder of Northeast Earth Coalition, and New Jersey Environmentalist. He gave a talk on “Environmental Justice, Pollinators and Food Insecurity.”
These educational events are important for our continued education about the environment and the problems and challenges that humanity is facing today.
There are so many ways to get involved. Here are few ways:
The Northeast Earth Coalition, Inc, (NEEC) works at the community level to protect the environment and promote local sustainability and food security.
The NEEC supports the work of community and environmental activists who give hope for a better future.
GreenFaith is a multi-faith climate and environmental movement. There are local GreenFaith members and Circles in New Jersey.
350 is an international movement of ordinary people working to end the age of fossil fuels and build a world of community-centered renewable energy for all.
For faith-based education, please sign up for the UCC Environmental Blog “The Pollinator.”