URGENT UPDATE: A hands-on workshop focused on growing native plants to support at-risk pollinators is set for Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bigelow Free Public Library in Clinton, MA. This event, titled “Native Plants: A Winter Sow Workshop,” is hosted by Rauscher Farm in collaboration with the library, and community members are invited to participate.
Participants will learn to transform recycled translucent gallon milk jugs into outdoor seed planters, which they will take home and place outside during the winter months. As temperatures fluctuate between freezing and thawing, seeds will break dormancy and germinate, leading to vibrant native plant growth by spring. Freddie Gillespie and Giancarla Kalpas, experienced native pollinator garden installers from Rauscher Farm, will lead the workshop.
“Most native plant seeds have co-evolved with New England weather patterns and require winter conditions to grow,” Gillespie stated. “Winter sowing is an easy, affordable way to create beautiful gardens while helping our most vulnerable pollinators.” This initiative directly addresses the urgent need for pollinator-friendly ecosystems, making it a vital opportunity for residents to contribute to local biodiversity.
The seeds provided during the workshop come from research conducted by Dr. Robert Gegear, an associate professor at UMass Dartmouth and a leading expert on the interplay between native plants and pollinators. Dr. Gegear advises the Rauscher Farm Pollinator Meadow Nursery Garden, which features plants selected based on his research-based list.
No gardening experience is necessary to join this workshop. Kalpas emphasized, “Participants will receive seeds and step-by-step instruction and often leave with extra seedlings to share.” This event is designed to empower community members, encouraging them to cultivate their own gardens while promoting environmental sustainability.
Participants are required to bring 2 to 4 clean, translucent gallon milk jugs (caps removed), scissors, box cutters or X-Acto knives, small towels for cleanup, and empty yogurt containers for labeling. Optional items include an apron and a cordless drill with a 1/4-inch bit. Due to limited space, only 20 participants can attend, and registration is mandatory. Volunteers to assist with cleanup are welcome.
Rauscher Farm, located at 29 Clamshell Road, spans 62 acres of open fields and woodlands, offering scenic frontage on Clamshell Pond. The property has been preserved as one of Clinton’s last large open spaces, ensuring the community can enjoy its natural beauty and ecological diversity.
“Today, visitors can experience the farm’s natural beauty and serenity across a range of landscapes, including grasslands, wetlands, woodlands, and shoreline access to Clamshell Pond,” said Gloria Parkinson, chair of the volunteer Rauscher Farm Management Subcommittee.
For more information about registration or the workshop itself, interested individuals can visit the library’s website at bigelowlibrary.org or call 978-365-4160. Additional details on Rauscher Farm and a direct link to workshop registration can be found on their website at rauscherfarm.org.
This workshop represents a unique opportunity for community members to engage with nature, learn about sustainable gardening practices, and contribute to the protection of local pollinators. Don’t miss out on this chance to make a difference in your garden and the environment!
