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Volunteers with shovels and tillers broke ground over the weekend on an initiative designed to transform part of Storms Creek Park into a vibrant pollinator garden and welcoming space for visitors.

The project is a collaboration among , the and the .

Supported by a grant from the Foundation for the Tri-State Community, the effort aims to create an educational, ecological space filled with native plants to support local pollinators, while also offering an inclusive buddy bench designed to encourage connection and conversation.

“At OHIO Southern, we believe learning happens everywhere– in classrooms, in our communities, and through hands-on collaboration,” said Dr. Deborah Marinski, dean of Ģ����Ƶ University Southern. “We’re proud to partner on this project and help create an educational space that benefits the entire region.”

The planned garden will feature native species chosen to attract and sustain butterflies, bees and other essential pollinators. Signage will help visitors understand the importance of native plants and biodiversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

A key feature of the project will be the installation of a buddy bench, a dedicated seating area meant to promote kindness, empathy and inclusion.

“The idea of the buddy bench really resonated with our club,” said Sarah Simmons, communications and external relations manager at Ģ����Ƶ University Southern, immediate past president of the Ironton Rotary Club, and Southern Wayne Advocacy Council board member. “When someone sits on the bench, it’s a signal that they’d like a friend or a chat. It’s a simple but meaningful way to fight isolation and encourage connection.”

Teresa Smith, community programming coordinator at Ģ����Ƶ University Southern and president of the Ironton Rotary Club, emphasized the service mission at the heart of the effort.

“We’re thrilled to see this vision starting to take shape,” Smith said. “Rotary has always believed in service above self, and this project is a perfect example. We want to create spaces that support our environment and bring people together.”

Tim Dickens, president of the Southern Wayne Advocacy Council, highlighted the project’s emphasis on partnership and education.

“This garden is a chance to show what’s possible when groups work together,” Dickens said. “It’s not just about planting native species. It’s about building awareness of our natural environment and creating places where our community can learn and grow.”

The garden is expected to be planted and installed over the summer, with Rotary Club members and volunteers maintaining the space as part of their ongoing service to the community.