First Presbyterian Church is certified as an Earth Care Congregation by the Presbyterian Mission Agency for our environmental stewardship achievements in worship, education, facilities and outreach actions in the life of the church. In 2025, FPC was re-certified as an Earth Care Congregation by the PCUSA marking the plus years of involvement! To help conserve resources, we have a yearly “Paperless Worship Service” on Earth Care Sunday in the spring and project the Order of Worship on the screens. We are eco-conscious of the products we use for Sunday service and Fellowship and strive to recycle, reuse and reduce.
In 2026, we’re giving back to the earth and our habitats by introducing a pollinator garden to our church grounds:
According to entomologist Doug Tallamy “homeowners can reverse biodiversity loss by transforming their yards into native plant habitats, creating ‘conservation corridors’ that support local wildlife, especially insects like caterpillars, which are crucial for bird populations.” First Presbyterian Church is taking that step by installing a pollinator garden on the west side of the church, along N. Washington St. Our pollinator garden will be a part of a conservation corridor on Winter St. Andrews House and Boardman Park who have already installed theirs. The three gardens are close enough that many insects can take advantage of the offerings of pollen and nectar from all three gardens.
The Cub Scouts and parents have helped pull non-native plants from the 900 sq. ft. bed. Native plants will be grouped so the native insects can find pollen and nectar easily. There will be warm weather grasses, shrubs, and perennials. Flowers will be in bloom from spring through autumn. Master Gardeners Regina Lach and Nora Hiland are coordinating the efforts.
“The garden will take about three years to establish. The first three or four weeks after planting the natives will be thirsty and need lots of water. After that, because we are using natives, there is no need to water unless we have a drought. The plants will not need fertilizer or pesticides, but the bed will need some care. During the first year, because the soil has been disturbed, there will be plenty of weeds. Some plants may get a little aggressive and might need thinning. As the plants mature it is important that the garden is looked after. Perhaps you would like to walk among the plants and help decide if one needs more light or is a bit aggressive. Become involved and become an Earth Care team member along with Wenda Smith, Susan Fisher and Nora Hiland!”
