Pollinator subcommittee partners with high school environmental club; design and funding still under development

Angie Gregory reported that the Pollinator subcommittee met with the Northampton High School environmental club. Student leaders have been meeting with a teacher‑mentor and want to follow a formal process with school staff and city staff to pursue a hillside pollinator demonstration project. The group plans to meet again on Feb. 26 to report progress and to provide any signed commitment from the principal.

Students discussed volunteer support (National Honor Society, Key Club) and potential community consultants. Committee members said the project design, costs and any budget shortfall are not yet determined; staff noted that NESC has a small fund that could be a potential source but that fund rules and availability need further review.

Members discussed a prior small seed allocation for a demonstration at Smith Vocational; staff said that money was spent and only “a couple dollars” remained, and that some seed packets had not been planted last fall and would be attempted in spring. Tim Smith said a prior demonstration cost was about $4,000 and committee members recalled the same ballpark. Members suggested the committee will expect a formal budget request and a proposed planting/maintenance plan — including options for plugs versus seeding and possible rainwater catchment to avoid drawing from the school water supply — before approving city funding.

The subcommittee will follow up to clarify remaining seed inventory, confirm timing for planting, and to prepare any budget request for committee consideration.