MORGANTOWN, W. Va. — The West Virginia University School of Nursing has teamed up with Suncrest Elementary School, Suncrest United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church of Morgantown to install pollinator gardens that support environmental health and youth mental wellness.
Launched this fall, the initiative brings together School of Nursing faculty, WVU Extension agents, WVU School of Public Health students, AmeriCorps VISTA, educators, church leaders and local youth to create native plant gardens that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which are essential for biodiversity and food systems. The gardens also serve as spaces for reflection, learning, and emotional growth.
“Children today face unprecedented levels of stress and disconnection,” said Dr. Angel Smothers, Associate Dean for Community Engagement at WVU School of Nursing. “By involving them in the creation and care of pollinator gardens, we’re not only teaching environmental responsibility, but we’re also giving them a space to breathe, reflect, and connect.”
Students are actively involved in designing and planting the gardens, which are being installed on school grounds and at the First Presbyterian Church of Morgantown. These green spaces will be used for journaling, mindfulness, and nature-based learning.
“The pollinator gardens are a wonderful addition to our church gardens,” said Zac Morton, First Presbyterian Church Pastor.
He said they have replaced church landscaping with garden beds, and they invite their neighbors to glean fresh produce from the beds. These pollinator beds promote critical pollinator species that help the garden and environment thrive.
“We are grateful for the partnership — the students and WVU Extension — who have helped us not only to enhance this vital food access, but beautify our church grounds for years to come,” Morton said.
Zack Hostutler, AmeriCorps VISTA member and undergraduate student in Horticulture and Agribusiness Management, said the project is about more than planting flowers.
“It’s about planting seeds of connection,” Hostutler said. “When kids get their hands in the soil and learn about pollinators, they’re not just learning science, they’re building relationships with the environment, with each other and with themselves.”
Abigale Mullings, master’s student at the School of Public Health, said pollinator gardens are “a beautiful example” of how public health can be rooted in place.
“They create opportunities for children to engage with nature in ways that support emotional regulation, curiosity, and community connection,” Mullings said.
Nathan Ramsey, a teacher at Suncrest Elementary, echoed that sentiment, noting that the project has helped create a sense of responsibility in his students.
“It also has allowed them to develop important life skills such as teamwork and taking turns,” Ramsey said. “It’s been awesome to watch them learn to work together.”
The project is expected to grow in the coming months, with plans for educational signage, and seasonal planting events. Organizers say they hope it will serve as a model for other schools and faith communities across West Virginia.
“Creating space for pollinators is an act of stewardship: one that connects community, conservation, health, and sustainability,” said WVU Extension Agent Josh Malencia.
Funding for the project was originally provided by a generous donation from the Charles R. Nailer Memorial Foundation, which are awarded via the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.
Since the fund was established, other donors have made small contributions, but additional support is needed. If you are interested in making a donation to this or any other program at the WVU School of Nursing, please contact Dr. Kimberly Colebank, Development Director, at kcolebank@wvuf.org or 304-554-0237.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu