Kure Beach Training Center - Blue Star Pollinator Garden
The Kure Beach Training Center - Blue Star Pollinator Garden will be a native habitat of coastal herbaceous species, pollinator-friendly shrubs, and trees, that also provides a beautiful space to honor our currently serving members of the US Armed Forces. Visitors will have the opportunity to relax, explore, and learn about the importance of native pollinators in the landscape, conservation, and good stewardship.
Background: The Kure Beach Training Center (KBTC) is located on the Blakeslee Air Force Recreation Area, a coastal vacation destination catering to the enjoyment of military members, their families, and retirees, but also open to the public for events such as a summer concert series and the 4th of July Celebration. The KBTC is a full-service training facility, providing spaces for classes, conferences, and workshops for the National Guard, other DOD entities, and Federal / State / and Local Government Agencies.
During Hurricane Florence in 2018, the main building for the Training Center received severe damage requiring demolition and a new building to be constructed. After many years, the new main building will be completed this upcoming Fall / Winter. The Blue Star Pollinator Garden is being developed to have a groundbreaking on National Public Land Day and full development to coincide with the opening of the new Training Center building. The location of the garden will be purposefully located between the resident halls / dining facility and the Training Center. This project is needed to further enhance the environment as part of the restoration after a major hurricane.
Project Description: The Blue Star Pollinator Garden will be in a 1,500 sqft highly visible public space composed of densely planted native coastal herbaceous species, pollinator-friendly shrubs, and trees. There will be a flag-pole that flies the Blue Star Service Flag. With a white field, a red border, and a blue star representing a currently serving member of the US Armed Forces, the flag represents pride and a hope of a safe return during times of war or conflict. An interpretive sign will describe the prominence and meaning of the Blue Star Service Flag as well as educate visitors of the importance of native pollinators in the landscape. A QR Code on the Sign will direct visitors to an internet site that further describes the native plant species, likely pollinators, the relationship between them, as well as the importance of conserving our natural resources and stewardship. A few benches will be installed to provide a place to relax, appreciate the beauty, and observe the activity bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. A central stone path through the garden will encourage exploration, enhance the overall experience, and provide access for garden maintenance. Several water baths and hummingbird feeders will provide pollinators additional sources of nourishment, while attracting different types of animals.
Site design, preparation, and installation will be conducted by a local gardening center specializing on native habitats and pollinator gardens. The major workdays for planting flowers, shrubs, and trees will be conducted by members of the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) with help from several volunteer organizations (Kure Beach Association, YMCA, Military History Museum, Mid-Atlantic Narcotics Training Academy, etc).
Project Goals:
- Provide a beautiful landscape that supports biodiversity by providing a native habit for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Create a space for community engagement and learning opportunities toward conservation efforts, good stewardship, and importance of pollinators.
- Honor currently serving members of the US Armed Forces and the Families their Families.