Youth Take Root: Boys & Girls Club Members Help Install 450-Foot Pocket Prairie at Ontiveros Youth Center!
On Monday, May 5, members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley will rolled up their sleeves to make a lasting impact—helping plant a 450-foot pocket prairie at the Ontiveros Youth Center. The project was designed by Hibiscus Ecological Services and planted with support from the City of Moline's Pollinator Preservation Committee.
The new prairie features 25 different species and a total of 155 native plants, all native to Northwest Illinois. It is designed to serve as a living laboratory for club members to learn about the history of the land, environmental stewardship, and the role native plants play in a healthy ecosystem.
"Projects like this connect our youth to the natural world in meaningful ways," said Dan McNeil, Director of Clubs and Programming. "Not only are they learning science and conservation, but they're also helping create something beautiful and lasting for their community."
Native plants bring balance back to the land. They support essential pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and their deep root systems filter water, reduce flooding, and prevent soil erosion. These “super plants” are perfectly suited for local conditions, making them resilient and low-maintenance.
By restoring native plant habitats, youth are also restoring the homes and food sources for countless animals—and creating a more sustainable future for the region.
The pocket prairie is just one example of how the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley are empowering young people to lead, learn, and care for their world.
Our gratitude to Hibiscus Ecological Services for supporting the vision and the City of Moline's Bee Committee for volunteering to plant with our members! #pocketprairie
