St. Paul’s to Receive Unity Gardens Grant

Good news!  St. Paul’s submitted an application for a Unity Gardens grant to plant native plants and we were one of 18 organizations that were awarded a grant for fall 2025. Our application requested $870 to plant four native trees (willow oak, red maple, flowering dogwood and hackberry), 15 native shrubs (5 viburnums, 9 Gro-low sumac and one Carolina rose) and 12 native perennials (Black-eyed Susans). These plants will provide shade and wildlife habitat, enhance the beauty of the campus and increase stormwater remediation. The plants were chosen for their high environmental and wildlife value with the help of Alison Milligan, a Master Naturalist, Master Gardener and Watershed Steward. Alison will also procure the plants for us at wholesale prices.

The Willow Oak will be planted near the front driveway entrance where we recently lost a tree due to damage, and the Dogwood will be planted across from it to enhance the entrance. The Red Maple and the Hackberry will be planted in the area in front of the garden/columbarium to provide shade and additional stormwater remediation. The shrubs will be planted to provide stormwater remediation and the perennials will be planted at the end of the main parking lot to add pollinator support and beauty.

 We will have a planting day on Saturday, October 11th (rain date October 18th) from 9 am until noon to get the plants in the ground. Members and friends of St. Paul’s are invited to participate. Volunteers, including families with kids, will have the opportunity to learn proper tree planting technique as well as take home information about native plants for use in their own yards. Karen Royer will organize the planting day and direct the volunteers. Coffee and donut holes will be provided. We hope to see you then!