If you have traveled around Rhodes Park on Highland Avenue lately, you probably saw the following signs on the median near the back of the park:
- Pollinator Restaurant Being Built Here SOON!
- Butterfly Buffet Being Built Here SOON!
- Caterpillar Spa Coming Here SOON!
- Bee Brew Pub Opening Here SOON!
Where did the signs come from and what do they mean? Read on to learn what we found out.
How we started growing native pollinators plants on Highland Avenue
First, a little background. Back in May of 2024, the recently formed Homegrown Habitat – Birmingham Area Native Plant Group, organized volunteers to plant native plants in the medians on Highland Avenue.
In a first-of-its-kind pilot project, over 50 volunteers successfully installed hundreds native pollinator-friendly plants beginning near Rojo and extending to the Independent Presbyterian Church.
The project was a massive success, transforming the median into a colorful array of native plants that attract bees, butterflies and all kinds of pollinators.
What’s next? New pollinator havens
Why the new signs? Thanks to Alabama Audubon and the Friends of Highland Park, additional Highland Avenue medians will become pollinator havens in the coming months…