Pollinator Pathways: Waverley Greens’ Contribution to a Greener Milwaukie
This winter, Waverley Greens had the opportunity to adopt a "bump-out" in downtown Milwaukie—a small, neglected sidewalk corner sponsored by The Historic Milwaukie Neighborhood District Association (NDA). What was once an overgrown and weed-infested patch has now been transformed into a thriving pollinator-friendly space!
A Community Effort
In November, Waverley Greens employees Fay Svingen and Amanda McAdams, along with residents Sharon and Bob, rolled up their sleeves to revitalize the space. Years of neglect had left the soil packed with stubborn roots and invasive weeds, so our first step was clearing it out and preparing it for a fresh start.
As a group, we visited Twin Flower Natives, a local nursery specializing in native plants of the Pacific Northwest. With the help of their knowledgeable staff, we selected plants that would thrive in the specific light and conditions of our bump-out. The experience was not only educational but also inspiring, as we learned more about the nursery’s commitment to ecological sustainability.
The Transformation
Over the course of a few weeks, our team removed more than seven industrial-sized bags of weeds and depleted soil, replacing them with nutrient-rich earth and carefully chosen native plants with the help of Crystal Greens Landscaping. The goal? To support the Pollinator Pathway, an initiative dedicated to creating continuous corridors of native plants that provide essential food and shelter for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
What is a Pollinator Pathway?
A Pollinator Pathway is a connected habitat of native plants that sustains pollinator populations by allowing species to move freely and thrive. The goals of the program include:
Creating healthy habitats for pollinators, pets, and families
Connecting landscapes to support biodiversity
Sustaining healthy pollinator populations
Educating communities about pollinator-friendly gardening
We’re proud to share that downtown Milwaukie is now officially recognized as a Pollinator Pathway, and Waverley Greens Apartments is honored to be part of this incredible initiative. Our team is committed to fostering a greener, more vibrant downtown—just steps from our front door.
Visit Our Bump-Out!
If you're in the area, be sure to check out our newly restored pollinator garden at the corner of SE Main Street and SE Jackson Street. We hope this space inspires others to take small but meaningful steps toward environmental stewardship in our community!
