Thanks to a “Seeds for Education” grant from Wild Ones, a national non-profit organization, visitors at Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area in Alexander County can enjoy an assortment of native plants at the park’s Natural Play Area.
The park received a $473 grant to purchase native plants for the area. Judges evaluated 43 applications from 21 states, with 14 grants awarded for the 2018-2019 grant period.
The grant application specified that a youth group should be involved in the planning and application process; therefore, the grant would not have been possible without the help of local youth groups. Girl Scout Troop 02036 of Hiddenite helped with the research and development of the plant list, designed where the plants should go, and also assisted with the actual planting process. The Alexander Central High School Wildlife Club, along with ACHS senior Dakota Deal, also helped with the planting.
Alisha Stamey, Park Ranger at Rocky Face Park, said, “This was a great hands-on learning experience for the youth who participated. The Girl Scouts learned the difference in native and non-native plants, and how native plants support wildlife such as butterflies and birds. The kids also got a chance to spend some time outside, get dirty, and do some hard work, as planting plants at Rocky Face can be a real challenge.”
Rocky Face Park is currently accepting donations for bird seed, potting soil, and native plants. If you would like to donate items, please contact Alisha Stamey at (828) 632-1308.
Wild Ones is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging the use of native landscaping to preserve biodiversity though the preservation, restoration and establishment of native plant communities. For more than 20 years, this Wild Ones donor-funded program has provided small grants ranging from $100 to $500 for naturally landscaped projects throughout the United States. These funds are designated for native plants and seeds for outdoor learning areas that engage children, preschool to high school. Youth participate directly in the planning, planting, and care of the native plant gardens. For more information about Wild Ones, visit .