Seen here are the new raised beds in the Donigian Park pollinator garden. (Love those stumpy stools.) Dozens of nonprofits have recently received nearly $400,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation to fund community-based projects across the state.
Among the dozens of organizations receiving grants are the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council in Providence, which received $7,500 to create a string of pollinator garden beds along the Woonasquatucket River Greenway.
Here in the southwest corner of the park one can hear the Woony running over a small cascade nearby. The bike path crosses over the river on a lovely trestle-style bridge. The Rising Mills dam is further ahead.
Two teen boys were chatting here as I approached. I expected a shrug when I mentioned that these plants had been selected to attract pollinators. Instead, the boys immediately perked up, pointing out a couple of bees and one moth. Nice moment. It was staff at the University of Rhode Island who helped select plants that would attract butterflies and bees.
The grants went to a wide variety of organizations across the state. Sixty-three projects in 18 cities and towns received grants. The maximum amount was $10,000.
Donigian Park, Valley Street, (directions)
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This bucolic scene belies the river’s toxic industrial past. Signs still warn people not to eat fish from the river.