'Something we value': Community beautifies Bridgeville's butterfly pollinator garden

A love for the community and gardening made a perfect Saturday morning for Alison Thomas and her family.

The Thomases, of Bridgeville — Justin, Alison and their children Hannah, 6, and Max, 4 — were among about 25 Bridgeville-area residents beautifying the new Baldwin Street butterfly pollinator garden May 17.

Volunteers planted, mulched and watered native plants from Acadia Natives nursery in the lot, which is behind Beer Warehouse.

“Everybody together in one place is such an awesome thing,” said Alison Thomas. “It’s important to teach my kids that this is something we value, and they can see that.”

The borough acquired the vacant lot through the FEMA Flood Buyout Program for passive open space and gardens. Over the past couple of months, the Planning Commission discussed a concept to transform the lot into a garden. Council approved the plan in November.

A green space, or butterfly pollinator garden, was one of the top responses from a survey sent to residents years ago, said Melissa Guiliani, a member of the planning commission.

“I think when you listen to people, they show up, and they get really into it,” she said, noting the turnout.

“People are starting to understand native plants and their role in the environment, and anybody who gardens knows how good it is for mental health,” she said.

Students from Chartiers Valley Middle School and Girl Scout 10155 Raceway Service Unit, also helped. Guiliani said she looks forward to the future of the lot and garden.

“We have hopes that, over time, we can develop the property in other things,” she said.