Published: Jan 12, 2016 | 09:00 AM

New Pollinators Garden Coming to the San Joaquin Marsh – Planting Help Needed

Get warmed up for your spring planting by assisting Sea and Sage Audubon volunteers in giving more than 100 plants a new home at the San Joaquin Marsh’s new Pollinators Garden on Saturday, January 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

This garden is located adjacent to the meadow behind the Duck Club. It was designed to attract bees, which are responsible for pollinating about one third of the food consumed by humans. Bee populations have been declining in recent years and the creation of pollinator-friendly gardens is seen as a way to help the bees.

Sea and Sage and Irvine Ranch Water District began developing the demonstration garden plot in October, with installation of a rabbit-proof fence. The purpose is to use a variety of native plants so something is in flower during each season. No pesticides will be used and dead limbs will be safely left as nesting sites and to provide a native bee post.

On the planting palette is Manzanita, ceanothus, island bush snapdragon, bladderpod, white sage, black sage, California fuchsia, California goldenrod, coyote mint, desert penstemon, foothill penstemon and apricot mallow.

If you would like to join Sea and Sage on Saturday, RSVP with Trude Hurd at (949) 261-7964, or seaandsage@sbcglobal.net. Meet behind the Duck Club and bring a shovel, gloves and kneeling pad. Minimum age for participation is 13 years of age and children must be accompanied by an adult.

The event will be rescheduled if it rains.

More information about the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary is located on our website.