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MOUNT LOOKOUT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

The MLCC is an all-volunteer organization that informs, serves, and advocates for the residents and businesses of Mt. Lookout, Cincinnati. Founded in 1906, it is the oldest continually operated civic organization in the State of Ohio. 




Mt Lookout community council native Pollinator Garden

The Mt. Lookout Community Council’s Native Pollinator Garden began with a proposal from resident Mark Plucinski to replace the uninspired traffic island plantings with diverse native species. Our goal is to provide essential habitat for pollinators, which are vital to our food supply but threatened by modern landscaping practices. There is a variety of plants, shrubs and grasses in the garden chosen make sure there is something in bloom all season.   Various plants provide habitat for different pollinators, for instance some bees overwinter in grass clumps.  Many plants are host plants for specific pollinators.  Think milkweed and Monarchs.  We hope to demonstrate that these native plants, often overlooked as weeds, are actually quite beautiful.  

The garden has expanded as we add and replace things each year and through natural seeding.  Maintenance does require a fair amount of labor.  We are lucky to have dedicated volunteers but we are always looking for more help. If you are interested in joining us, please let us know. Email Laura Groenke llgroenke@gmail.com. We send out periodic requests for assistance, and there is no long-term commitment required.

See you in the square!



PARKING ISLAND PROJECT

Since planting the main garden in the UDF triangle in 2021 and renovating the parking island last year, the space has thrived thanks to help from many volunteers. These gardens balance beauty and function, using host plants specifically chosen for native pollinators. We also hope the improved aesthetics will encourage visitors to keep the area free of litter.








FALL IN THE GARDENS

 Much of the garden is finished blooming.  Right now you will see the stiff goldenrod blooming and the New England Asters are just starting.   These are 2 late blooming things that provide a late source of food for the bees before they hibernate for the winter.  You may notice that we have left many of the "past bloom" seed heads in place.  While this may seem "messy", part of our purpose here is to provide a biodiverse habitat.  See below the picture of the gold finches that are seen regularly down there, who just love the seeds of the coneflowers.   

 While discussing our plant choices with a neighbor, she asked, "isn't milkweed a weed?"  Well, interesting question!  It certainly isn't a very showy flower but I'm pretty sure most people LOVE to see the Monarch butterflies.  While you may see monarchs in your garden, they NEED milkweed to lay their eggs on.  Just this morning a milkweed caterpillar was seen in our community garden.   I'm calling that a success!

---Laura Groenke, MLCC board member

More information about our Goals:

Click on the websites below to learn all about Mt Lookout's pollinator garden, and much more exciting information.


notice the size difference between the honey bee and the much smaller native bees


From our garden 9/9/23

Pollinator/Host Plant Relationships:

Selecting Plants for Butterfly Eggs
Butterfly Host Plants


Would you like to donate to the growth and maintenance of the Native Pollinator Garden on the Square? Please fill out the donation form below and note "Garden" in the comment box.

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Mt. Lookout Community Council

PO Box 8444

Cincinnati, OH 45208


Telephone: (513) 400 - 5185

Email: info@mtlookout.org

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