WS Chronicle

At the Winston-Salem Foundation’s event, “Better Communities and Better Lives: A Keynote and Conversation with David Brooks” at R.J. Reynolds Auditorium, the foundation’s President Scott Wierman announced a centennial gift to the community to commemorate the foundation’s  establishment 100 years ago in 1919. 

After extensive discussion and research with the City of Winston-Salem, the foundation has made a $125,000 grant to create sustainable pollinator gardens at Quarry Park. The 228-acre park opened in 2017 and is still in development. This beautiful site is connected to local greenways and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including wild turkey, deer, quail, and bald eagles. 

In addition to further beautifying the park, the gardens will provide a rich habitat with which to attract pollinating insects that are critically needed in our environment today. This effort will also positively impact the city’s ability to implement the Sustainable Sites Initiatives, standards developed by the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The grant includes support for site and soil preparation, an irrigation system, and signage and environmental education systems.

Wierman notes, “We’re grateful to have funded this project through a foundation fund designated for city beautification that was established by a generous family many years ago. We’re excited that this project will benefit community members of all ages and backgrounds, and its ecological, environmental, educational and recreational benefits will be many.”

Allen Joines, mayor of Winston-Salem, was on the stage Thursday, Dec. 5, to accept the award on behalf of the city. 

“This is a significant investment in our community’s well-being, and the City of Winston-Salem could not be more appreciative of this special centennial gift. This will add to our ongoing efforts toward creating a healthier home for all city residents – not only for our people, but also for our environment,” said Joines.

Work on this project will begin this spring, and updates will be provided on the Winston-Salem Foundation’s website as the project unfolds in 2020.  For more information, visit wsfoundation.org.