CANTON -- The Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton has created a pollinator garden in the church’s front yard to share their commitment to healthy ecosystems with the Canton community.

The garden was developed after church member, and local beekeeper, Mark Berninghausen shared his experiences and expertise about the importance of bees and the their health.

The new garden replaces the church’s old juniper bush with colorful and blooming perennials to attract pollinators.

Those leading this project have been thrilled by the response from church members of all ages, from religions education students to adult members.

“Our dedication to creating a pollinator-friendly landscape that is visible to the community helps to show our commitment to our natural world,” says Sue Powers, co-chair of the church’s Environmental Action Committee. “I really appreciate the diversity of people that contributed to this project that diversifies our landscape for habitat.”

Among the flowers, the garden is filled with stepping stones, made by the fourth through sixth grade religion education class. In addition, the students have created “bee hotels” that will be sold. These allow mini pollination sites to be shared around the community.

Religious education teacher volunteer, Ron Tavernier adds that the work the students have done “all connects to our seventh UU principle: the respect for the interconnected web of life.”

Students and adult members will continue to work on the garden this fall and through the gardening cycle. More information and updates on the project can be found on the church’s website.

The Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 3½ East Main Street, across from the park in Canton. Sunday service and religious education classes begin at 10:30 a.m. For directions and to learn more visit www.uucantonny.org.