The sun was shining, and pollinators were happily traveling from flower to flower as families gathered at Little Waldo Farm for a Pollinator Party.
Little Waldo Farm is part of the Clover Valley Farm Trail, a co-operative group of locally owned, small farms located in the Clover Valley area between Two Harbors and Duluth. Little Waldo Farm not only provides locally grown produce, they offer educational opportunities such as horticulture, agricultural demonstrations, and farm tours. More information can be found at https://www.littlewaldofarm.com/
Jadell Cavallin, owner of Little Waldo Farm, is a licensed nursery stock grower and a honey beekeeper. At the Pollinator Party, she greeted guests and answered questions about bees, pollinators, and small farms.
Local pianist Eddie Ojard provided live music for the event, setting the mood with a variety of pieces. Refreshments included delicious cookies from Louise’s Place. Children enjoyed playing in a grassy field, listening to stories, playing games, and winning prizes.
A number of vendors were at the Pollinator Party, sharing information pertaining to pollinators and other farm-related topics. Vendors included the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District, Lake County 4-H, Sugarloaf Cove, the Clover Valley Farm Trail, the Two Harbors Farmers’ Market, and Crafted by Pete.
A prize drawing was also part of the festivities, participants entering honeycomb-shaped slips into a Dr. Seuss-style hat with bumblebee stripes, hoping to win one of several goodie boxes with pollinator-related items.
Local honey and maple syrup were available for purchase, and vegetable starters were available for free. Jadell Cavallin displayed a number of books on beekeeping, as well as two bee suits and a few bee boxes.
Informative signs hung around the garden, with titles such as “How Are the Pollinators Doing?” and “Myths and Realities for Pollinators.” Other signs showed images of native plants and trees for pollinators.
Jadell Cavallin is passionate about gardening, as it “encourages us to be active, learn from nature, and eat healthier. Research has shown that gardening improves both your mental and physical health, plus you get beautiful flowers and delicious tasting food. Gardening is a gateway to a healthier and more wholesome life, and I look forward to sharing that with all of you.”
If it weren’t for our pollinators, none of the refreshments or food items to purchase at the pollinator party would have been possible. So, the next time you go enjoy a tasty treat, think of those busy pollinators who made it possible!
