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The Men For Change team, under the leadership of Director David Ricks, works tirelessly to deliver programs and diverse projects that will give youth exposure and opportunity to try new things. Youth Leader Pastor Stanford Ricks challenges his mentees to think big, dream big and believe in themselves.

For nearly 15 years, the program has provided safe spaces and a caring, learning and supportive environment geared to shaping the development and personal growth of youth.

Men For Change recently collaborated with the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance Agency to host a presentation.

Nearly 35 youth, ranging from ages 5 to 16, spilled over into the cafeteria at Federalsburg Elementary School on Feb. 28 with a positive attitude.

Caroline Kurtz, outreach coordinator at Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, and Shawn Temple, environmental coordinator, led an engaging presentation on the importance of native plants, invasive species and pollinators.

Kurtz highlighted various pollinator species such as bumblebees, butterflies, moths, wasps and hummingbirds. She shared details about each species and their essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

When bumblebees, wasps and butterflies are buzzing around flowers and plants in gardens, they move pollen from flower to flower, which helps sustain life, Kurtz said. A recent study found butterflies are rapidly fluttering out of existence coast to coast at a rate that scientists worry could upend ecosystems and undercut pollination that sustains America’s crop.

The presenters shared photos of native plants set to be planted at the Federalsburg Activities Center this spring, including annual gaillardia, spotted beebalm, Butterfield milkweed, wild bergamot and zigzag spiderwort. Valuable insight was given about each plant species, with Temple encouraging the youth to help care for the gardens once they are established.

The workshop aimed to spark excitement and interest in the upcoming gardens and to teach the youth native plant care, skills they can put to use in the spring when they help with garden maintenance.

In partnership with the Federalsburg Activities Center, Nanticoke Watershed Alliance is working on planting trees, a rain garden, a native plant garden and a vegetable garden.

Following the presentation, the presenters encouraged the youth to participate in an interactive Arts In The Garden Project, using their artistic ability and creativity to paint fence panels. The decorative colorful panels, etched with the artists’ initials, will be proudly displayed in the Federalsburg Activities Center community garden.

The Men For Change Afterschool Mentoring Program is always looking for volunteers and community support. Those interested should call 443-786-5182.