A new pollinator garden designed to support native species and provide hands-on learning opportunities officially opened last weekend at the Alpine Public Library with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community celebration.
The Patty Manning Pollinator Garden features more than 200 plant species, carefully selected and arranged to create habitat for native pollinators in the heart of the city. The garden is intended to serve both as an ecological resource and an educational space for residents of all ages.
Following the opening ceremony, children participated in interactive activities focused on the importance of pollinators, including presentations, games, and crafts designed to help young learners understand the role insects play in healthy ecosystems.
The project was made possible through collaboration among several regional organizations, including the Big Bend Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas, Rio Grande Joint Venture, and the Tierra Grande Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists. The garden is now open to the public and available for community use.
Organizers emphasized that the space is meant to benefit not only residents but also the area’s native pollinators, helping strengthen local biodiversity while offering a welcoming outdoor learning environment.
Photo credit: Borderlands Research Institute
