The Washington Park Zoo proudly announces it’s joint partnership with Franklin Pest Solutions for their new Pollinator Pathway Garden. With a generous donation from Franklin Pest Solutions, the Washington Park Zoo was able to create a natural wildlife habitat to demonstrate a significant example of the conservation power each person or organization has to help wildlife in their own backyards just by adding features to their landscape.
The Washington Park Zoo is proud to display such an amazing garden, which won 1st place in the 2017 Michigan City in Bloom contest in the non-profit category. The Washington Park Zoo shares Franklin Pest Solution’s goal of helping to protect Indiana’s pollinators. Pollination plays a key role in the air quality, plant life and the food that we eat. Some may even be surprised to learn that Franklin Pest Solution’s standard work practices include taking extra care to ensure that they protect the bee community and migrating butterflies when conducting their services out in the field.
The Zoo Staff hopes that the garden display will help educate visitors about the importance of the pollination process and encourage them to learn how they can do their part towards its conservation. The Pollination Pathway at the zoo surrounds the historic Monkey Island hillside and wraps its way around to the new concession stand location. Its unique palette has blooming perennials, fruit trees, shrubs, and a new 3,000 gallon Koi pond. It also features houses for birds, bees, butterflies, and even bats. A highlight for guests will be the extra-large, climb thru concrete Box Turtle shell that will be located near the hilltop aviary when it arrives in July. This interactive educational station will explore the plight of the endangered Eastern Box Turtles of Indiana.
The Zoo has also started a free program to “certify” backyard wildlife gardens throughout the community. A “certified” garden can be patio size to several acres, as long as it supports pollinators, wildlife, the conservation of water, and of course beautification of the neighborhood.
Those wanting to visit the “Pollinator Pathway” plus have a “zoo-nique” evening exploring the wildlife at the Washington Park Zoo, can join the Zoo Crew for our annual family “Zoo-B-Que” event on August 26, 2017 from 4:30-8:30 pm. The event features the sunset over the lake with the animals active at dusk, some behind the scenes tours, up-close interaction with many animals, a silent auction, a catered dinner of fried chicken, hot dogs and all the fixings, as well as an interactive animal presentation by Silly Safari Inc. Zoo Staffers will be on hand to preside over a special contest where kids can show off their best wolf and lion impressions in the “Howl and Roar” competition. Tickets are limited for this special event and must be purchased before August 21st. For those interested in getting their all-inclusive tickets, they are for sale online and at the Zoo Office for $15.00 for Adults, Children ages 11 to 3 years $10.00 and 2 and under free.
For more information on the Eco-Wild Backyard Habitat Certification program, the Zoo-B-Que or the Washington Park Zoo, please visit www.washingtonparkzoo.com or call (219) 873-1510.