Faith Lutheran Church Receives EcoFaith Grant to Create Native Pollinator Garden

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ISLE, Minn. – Faith Lutheran Church in Isle has been awarded a $650 EcoFaith Network Micro-Grant from the EcoFaith Network of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod (ELCA) to help establish a native pollinator garden on the church grounds.

The 18-by-18-foot garden will transform an existing landscape around the church sign into a vibrant habitat filled with Minnesota native wildflowers and grasses that bloom throughout the growing season. The garden will provide food and shelter for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators while serving as a welcoming and educational space for the community.

The design features native species including butterfly weed, wild bergamot, purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, Joe Pye weed, swamp milkweed, prairie smoke, lupine, New England aster, and little bluestem. Together, these plants will provide continuous blooms from spring through fall, supporting pollinators and showcasing the beauty of Minnesota's native landscape.

The project reflects Faith Lutheran Church's mission: "United in faith, our mission is to grow in Christ and serve others." The garden will be a living expression of the congregation's commitment to environmental stewardship, education, and community outreach.

In addition to supporting wildlife, the garden is designed with sustainability in mind. Native plants require less watering once established, develop deep root systems that improve soil health, and provide year-round habitat for birds and beneficial insects. An educational sign will explain the purpose of the garden and encourage visitors to learn more about caring for creation.

The EcoFaith Network of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod is a growing network of congregations and companion organizations living out God's call to be stewards of the earth for the sake of all creation. Each year, the network awards EcoFaith Micro-Grants to support innovative creation care ministries throughout northeastern Minnesota.

Because the project is beginning in late July, the garden will be installed in phases to give the native plants the best opportunity to establish healthy root systems. Rather than planting every species immediately, the initial installation will focus on hardy native perennials and grasses that transplant well during the summer when provided with consistent watering and mulch. Additional native flowers may be added in late summer or early fall, an ideal time for planting in Minnesota as cooler temperatures and increased rainfall help roots develop before winter.

The pollinator garden will be led by Diane Gibas, Faith Lutheran congregant and President of the Isle Garden Club, whose knowledge of native plants and local growing conditions will help ensure the garden is both beautiful and sustainable for years to come.

Faith Lutheran Church plans to celebrate the completion of the pollinator garden with the congregation and community. Details about a dedication event will be announced as the project progresses.

For more information about Faith Lutheran Church, visit www.faithisle.org, email office@faithisle.org, or call the church office.

For more information about the EcoFaith Network, visit www.ecofaithnetwork.org or email ecofaith@nemnsynod.org.

Rendering of the proposed native pollinator garden at Faith Lutheran Church in Isle. The EcoFaith-funded project will feature Minnesota native flowers and grasses that provide habitat for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators while beautifying the church grounds.

Northeast corner of the Faith Lutheran's property, the location of the pollinator garden. Photo taken July 23, 2026.