Plants for Pollinators program to be offered

Freehold Soil Conservation District is piloting a new free program for teachers in Middlesex and Monmouth counties titled "Plants for Pollinators in the Classroom." The program is designed to help students discover the importance of native pollinators and to study the relationship between plants and pollinators.

Pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds, moths and birds play a critical role in the production of over 150 food crops in the United States — among them apples, almonds, blueberries, cranberries, melons, pears and squash.

Selected teachers will receive indoor growing kits complete with plant stand, grow bulbs, potting soil and seeds for students to explore plant growth, conduct experiments and raise butterfly plants. In the spring, student-grown plants will be planted in a school or community garden. The materials will be provided free-of-charge.

Teachers must apply for the program by Jan. 29, and supplies are limited. A brochure on the program is available online at www.freeholdscd.org, by email to info@freeholdscd. org or by calling Freehold Soil Conservation District at 732-683-8500.