by Carol Clark and Stephanie Long
D Magazine recently featured a story about Tenison Park, a 1.9 acre pollinator garden located at the north end of Samuell-Grand Park in Dallas, Texas. As it so happens, Tenison Park is a two-time recipient of the Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas (BBMT) grant program. Carol Clark, BBMT coordinator, immediately recognized the park in the article. It’s a treat to see the impact of BBMT across Texas and to see gardens we support thriving! This local garden is raising the profile of native plant gardening, all while providing critical habitat and food sources for Monarchs.
BBMT awarded grants to Tenison Park in 2019 and 2022, and their local NPSOT chapter donated funds as well. Most recently, BBMT awarded $350 to increase the number of A. viridis (Green Milkweed) in the east bed and to support the addition of nectar plants that are especially attractive to Monarchs. The native plants in this bed are unique because together they support the entire Monarch life-cycle from eggs to caterpillars to chrysalis to butterfly.
Dedicated volunteers under the direction of Karen Albracht tend this garden. Not only do they provide a welcoming space for people and animals, they also write pieces for their local native plant newsletter, harvest and provide seeds for homeowners, and distribute excess plants to nearby residents. Their efforts are educating the community and creating connected habitat islands. What a success story!
Tenison Park Pollinator Garden is in a public park, and it is open anytime. Please visit next time you’re in the area, and take home some ideas for your own pollinator garden.
Want to help? Visit our website to learn more about the Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas and I-35 Waystation projects. To donate, visit Donate to a Project.
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