Plant a native pollinator strip in Gary's Aetna neighborhood (2026-07-18)

Gary borders the Indiana Dunes, one of the richest pollinator landscapes in the Midwest, yet its residential blocks offer bees and monarchs almost nothing. A planted strip of regionally native milkweed, coneflower, and prairie grasses on an invited or steward-held edge feeds the corridor between the dunes and the city. Standard: Xerces Society pollinator planting guidance + Indiana native plant lists; SDG 15 Life on Land. Proof: Planting photos plus species list Method (Xerces Society pollinator planting guidance + Indiana native plant lists; SDG 15 Life on Land.): 1. Confirm the strip location with the host or steward. 2. Clear the strip of turf and weeds by hand and loosen the soil. 3. Plant native plugs or sow native seed at labeled rates in drifts. 4. Water in and mulch lightly between plantings. 5. Photograph the prepared and planted strip with GPS and date on and record the species list. Done when: Planting photos plus species list

Where

Host-invited yard edges and strips, Aetna neighborhood, Gary, IN 46403

Pay

$80 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

Planting photos plus species list

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

entry

Open until

2026-10-17

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 90–300 minutes. Method of record: Pollinator habitat strip establishment per Xerces Society native forb/grass planting guidelines (site-appropriate regional mix, no-till drill or hand-broadcast seeding) — SDG 15.5 biodiversity; assess→seed→verify

Bring

• regional native forb/grass seed mix (Xerces Society or state pollinator-plan approved) at the planned rate
• no-till drill or hand broadcaster + rake for seed-to-soil contact
• camera + GPS + boundary marking flags/stakes
• gloves + sun protection

Steps

1. 1. ASSESS: photograph the strip/margin as found (bare ground, existing weeds, adjacent crop or pasture edge), record GPS boundary and area, and confirm the native mix + rate + seeding window against the site plan.
2. 2. Prepare the seedbed minimally (light raking of surface crust or weed knock-down already completed by others; no deep tillage) and mark the planting boundary.
3. 3. Broadcast or drill the native forb/grass mix at the planned rate and shallow depth appropriate to the species mix.
4. 4. Ensure seed-to-soil contact (rake-in or roll) and photograph/log the seeded boundary, mix, and rate as the establishment record.
5. 5. VERIFY: return at the plan's check window and photograph emergence across ≥3 representative points along the strip; log estimated native cover and flag bare gaps for reseeding.

If it does not match the plan

• Outside the viable seeding window for the regional mix -> reschedule; do not seed to fail.
• Existing weed pressure needs herbicide knock-down first -> route to a licensed applicator as a separate job before seeding.
• Strip drains directly to a waterway with no buffer -> route to the conservation planner for a setback plan first.

What counts as done

• Seeding record complete: date, native mix, rate, area, GPS boundary, before photos
• Emergence check photos at ≥3 representative points inside the check window
• No pesticide/herbicide applied by this crew during establishment

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.